CLEVELAND, Aug. 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR), a premier
provider of hospice and palliative care services in Northern Ohio, has completed its acquisition
of Hospice of North Central Ohio (HNCO) effective today. This
strategic alliance aims to expand access to high-quality,
comprehensive end-of-life care across a broader region.
The news follows a February 2024
announcement that the two community-based, nonprofit agencies had
entered a management services agreement, allowing HWR to begin a
due diligence process in preparation for the full transition. The
acquisition comes because of increased competition within the HNCO
service area, economic challenges, and a need to stabilize and
ultimately grow the organization.
The acquisition brings together two organizations with a shared
commitment to providing exceptional care and support to patients
and families, enhancing service offerings, streamlining operations,
and increasing community engagement. Hospice of the Western
Reserve, with over 45 years of experience in end-of-life care, will
expand its 15-county service area through Hospice of North Central
Ohio to include Ashland,
Knox, Richland and other nearby counties.
The acquisition will create the region's largest team of hospice
and palliative care certified physicians and specialists, offering
the most extensive range of services and support. Additionally, the
acquisition will strengthen the organization's ability to support
local communities through enhanced education, outreach and
volunteer initiatives.
"We are excited to welcome Hospice of North Central Ohio to the
Hospice of the Western Reserve family," said Bill Finn, president and CEO of Hospice of the
Western Reserve. "This partnership marks an important milestone in
our mission to deliver exceptional hospice and palliative care. By
combining our resources and expertise, we can ensure that more
individuals and their loved ones receive the compassionate support
they need."
Joan Hanson, MSN, RN, CHPCA,
director of palliative care at Hospice of the Western Reserve, has
been serving as interim executive director of Hospice of North
Central Ohio during the due diligence process. As of Aug. 1, she will serve as Hospice of the Western
Reserve clinical director in Ashland, Knox
and Richland counties through the
end of 2024.
"I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated staff
in Ashland, Knox and Richland counties," Hanson said. "Over 90% of
the HNCO staff has chosen to join the HWR team, showing their
commitment to providing compassionate care and support in these
communities."
As a nonprofit, Hospice of the Western Reserve is governed by a
Board of Directors. To create and maintain local community
engagement and support for Hospice of Western Reserve's programs
and services at the highest levels in Ashland, Knox
and Richland counties, Hospice of
the Western Reserve is establishing two Advisory Councils: the
Hospice of the Western Reserve Ashland/Richland Advisory Council
and the Hospice of the Western Reserve Knox County Advisory
Council. The Advisory Councils will help improve access and use of
high-quality, community-based palliative and hospice services;
provide feedback and evaluation of programs and services; be a
source of creative ideas for development, special events and
volunteer engagement; and represent Hospice of the Western and its
mission in Ashland, Richland and Knox counties.
About Hospice of the Western Reserve
Hospice of the
Western Reserve provides palliative and end-of-life care, caregiver
support and bereavement services throughout Northern Ohio. In celebration of the
individual worth of each life, we strive to relieve suffering,
enhance comfort, promote quality of life, foster choice in
end-of-life care and support effective grieving. For more
information, visit www.hospicewr.org.
Contact: Elizabeth
McIntyre
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Hospice of the Western Reserve
216.294.6518
emcintyre@hospicewr.org
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SOURCE Hospice of the Western Reserve