Newly minted Waterbury Hospital CEO Darlene Stromstad says her hospital recently had “very positive discussions,” with cross-town rival St. Mary’s Hospital about a possible partnership of the two organizations.
In a recent memo to hospital staff, Stromstad wrote that she is working effortlessly toward the goal of creating a “one-hospital, one-owner health care system,” in the city, while also  protecting what is in the best interest of Waterbury Hospital and its patients.
“Toward that goal, we have continuously reached out to Saint Mary’s Hospital and, in fact, had very positive discussions this week with Saint Mary’s Hospital regarding a relationship model, which would allow us to work together,” Stromstad wrote in the July 22 memo.
Stromstad, who took over the hospital’s top job earlier this month, also raised concerns about St. Mary’s Hospital proposed deal to accept a $200 million cash injection from Texas private hospital operator LHP Hospital Group, which will turn the not-for-profit institution into a for-profit entity.
“The recent filing by Saint Mary’s and LHP, while expected, is unsettling due to our recent discussions about a shared future,” Stromstad wrote. “Please, understand that this filing is only one step in a long regulatory process which does allow Waterbury Hospital to voice its concerns.
“Therefore, while we continue to reach out to Saint Mary’s, the board of directors and I continue to vigorously pursue several other good options to ensure our organization has the strong and healthy future it so deserves,” Stromstad added.
