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ALBANY, GA -- The Hospital Authority of Ben Hill County unanimously voted to enter into a partnership with Phoebe Putney Health System. 

The Hospital Authority, with consent of the medical staff at Dorminy Medical Center (DMC), has signed a letter of intent for a management agreement with Phoebe. 

“It is a great day at Dorminy,” said Warren Manley, Dorminy CEO. “This will be a great partnership and we look forward to the days ahead.  In the changing health care landscape, it makes sense to seek out partnerships that enhance our ability to care for our community. This kind of agreement is one way we can adapt to changes and ensure quality care for many years to come.” 

Manley said the agreement will help Dorminy Medical Center expand health care services to the community, manage changes in reimbursements, improve physician access and implement many services not currently available locally. 

“We are honored to have been asked to partner with Dorminy Medical Center and equally pleased to be able to respond,” said Joel Wernick, Phoebe President/CEO. “Phoebe and Dorminy share common values and a strong commitment to provide mission-driven health care to the citizens in our communities.  We have had success in our partnerships with the communities in Americus, Cuthbert and Sylvester.  This is a great step in joining forces to meet the growing healthcare needs of our region.”

Officials at DMC and Phoebe said the management agreement will be executed within a couple of weeks and is intended to serve as bridge to a lease and transfer agreement allowing Phoebe to lease the assets and operate the hospital.  The lease agreement will provide for local board leadership and community involvement.  It is subject to public input and must be reviewed by the Georgia Attorney General.  

"We are looking forward to this partnership and hope that the community will support these changes,” said Manley.  “Our commitment is to our mission, and ourAuthority and our physicians have expressed confidence in our ability to carry out that mission in a new partnership with Phoebe Putney Health System.”