GOSHEN, IND. (WOWO) Goshen Health has announced plans to pursue a partnership with Parkview Health, signing a letter of intent as it looks to expand services and adapt to changes in the healthcare industry.

According to WSBT-22, discussions between the two organizations have been ongoing for about a year and a half. Goshen Health leaders say the decision followed an evaluation of whether the hospital could best serve the community independently or as part of a larger healthcare system.

Goshen Health President and CEO Randy Christophel said the additional resources and operational support offered through Parkview Health would help position the hospital for long-term sustainability.

“Can we do that best as an independent organization or part of a larger health system? And it was clear that the resources and capabilities and supports that we would receive as part of Parkview Health would clearly help us be successful for decades to come,” Christophel said.

If approved by regulators, Goshen Health would expand services and capacity and take on a larger role as a regional hub for care.

“Patients will see us better able to take on more complex cases, additional patients with volumes and capacity,” Christophel said. “We’re going to see patients from the broader region referred to us.”

Christophel also said employees could see changes as the organizations integrate, though he noted that shifts in roles and responsibilities are already occurring across the healthcare industry due to evolving technology.

“There are lots of opportunities for our colleagues,” Christophel said, adding that staff may serve broader geographic areas or support other Parkview locations.

Hospital leaders say there are no immediate changes planned for patients, including insurance coverage, and that any future adjustments would occur years down the road with advance notice.

WSBT-22 reports the regulatory review and approval process could be completed as early as this summer.