Jefferson Regional Announces Plans for Strategic Partnership with Highmark

JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa., June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jefferson Regional Medical Center today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously voted to pursue a strategic partnership with Highmark. The announcement was made by John J. Dempster, President and CEO, Jefferson Regional Medical Center and Highmark's Chairman of the Board J. Robert Baum, Ph.D.

"This is an important milestone for Jefferson Regional Medical Center. This new relationship is a positive step for our organization, one that will enhance the work of our medical staff and our employees – and the lives of our patients," said Mr. Dempster. "Their good health will continue to be the primary concern of our caring physicians, and our patients will be the recipients of the expanded services and innovative technologies."

This partnership is an important step in the development of Highmark's integrated delivery system. The partnership is expected to create even higher quality healthcare, improve care coordination through innovative technologies, expand community-based services and generate a more satisfying care experience for patients.

"This partnership demonstrates the commitment of Highmark and Jefferson to working together to create a more modern, efficient health care system," said Dr. Baum. "It keeps care in the community, creating greater convenience for patients and maintaining the economic vitality of the South Hills."

Jefferson Regional Medical Center will be an important part of Highmark's integrated delivery system in its southern service region. Highmark's support will benefit the community in a variety of ways:

• A new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department and expanded services at the Bethel Park Campus.
• Expanded clinical services, such as neurosurgery and gynecology.
• $75 million for improved community health and wellness care with Highmark support to Jefferson's Foundation.

Highmark has committed to supporting Jefferson's medical staff in providing health and wellness care in the community, and promoting the Jefferson brand. The management of Jefferson Regional Medical Center and Highmark will continue discussions with the goal of finalizing the relationship, which must be approved by the Pennsylvania Attorney General and Allegheny County Orphan's Court.

About Jefferson Regional Medical Center

Created in 1973 by the merger of St. Joseph's and Homestead Hospitals to serve the South Hills, Jefferson Regional Medical Center today provides comprehensive medical and surgical services and primary care medicine in 14 community-based locations throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. Our trauma-trained physicians in our emergency department treat more than 55,000 emergency visits per year, and we are a certified Primary Stroke Center. Our 400 physicians represent more than 40 specialties and nearly every patient room is private. For more information, visit www.jeffersonregional.com.

About Highmark

Highmark Inc., based in Pittsburgh, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Highmark serves 4.9 million members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Delaware through the company's health care benefits business and is one of the largest Blue plans in the nation. Highmark has 20,000 employees across the country and provides a broad range of health and wellness related services through subsidiary and affiliate companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

SOURCE Jefferson Regional Medical Center