It looks like the new Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, scheduled to open in March 2015 near Snoqualmie Ridge and the I-90/SR 18 interchange, won’t open as an Overlake Hospital.
In July, the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital Board of Commissioners signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to pursue an affiliation where Overlake would purchase or lease the new hospital from the developer and then operate the new facility.
Last week, though, things changed and the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital District announced via press release that there would be no affiliation with Overlake Medical Center.
According to the release, “After several months of extensive due diligence, evaluation and discussion, leaders of both organizations mutually decided to remain independent but closely aligned and to continue collaborative efforts to serve the healthcare needs of the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding communities.”
The two organizations did agree to continue collaborations, even without a formal affiliation. CEO, Rodger McCullum stated, “This will be a positive way to continue talks for future collaborations even though we are not proceeding with the affiliation.”
For now, the hospital will continue to operate independently, but President and CEO of Overlake Medical Center, J. Michael Marsh, stated they will continue to work with the SVH board and leaders to explore more ways to collaborate to provide health services to the Snoqualmie Valley community.
Even without the formal affiliation, Marsh commented the two organizations will remain strong partners, committed to working together to serve the community.
