YNHHS News Releases

Released July 2, 1996

Yale-New Haven Health System Expands
Through Affiliation

Bridgeport Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital Parent Corporations Announce Formation of Health Care System

The parent corporations of Yale-New Haven Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital announced an agreement today finalizing the affiliation between the largest health care providers in New Haven and Fairfield counties.

The affiliation between Yale-New Haven Health System (YNHHS) and Southern Connecticut Health System (SCHS) was proposed in October 1995. The affiliation was consummated following review and approval by state and federal regulators.

"This affiliation strengthens both the Yale-New Haven and Southern Connecticut health systems in a time of ongoing change in the health care industry," said Joseph A. Zaccagnino, president and CEO of YNHHS. "Working together we will achieve mutual benefits in delivering high quality care. This affiliation will also enable us to manage health care costs more efficiently."

"The affiliation between the Southern Connecticut and Yale-New Haven health systems will enrich an already strong organizational and philosophical relationship that exists between us," said Robert J. Trefry, president and CEO of SCHS. "This will benefit our patients, our physicians and the community at large."

Within the system, Yale-New Haven Hospital serves as the focus of a delivery system in Greater New Haven, and Bridgeport Hospital represents the key element in a Greater Bridgeport delivery system. With the affiliation, Yale-New Haven Health System has 1,325 licensed beds, 58,000 admissions, more than 8,500 employees and expected revenue of nearly $700 million. The Yale-New Haven Health System is projected to be in the top 50 health systems in the country as measured by the Modern Healthcare survey published each May.

Under the affiliation, the governing board, medical staffs and financial structures of each organization will remain separate, and each institution will continue to offer a broad array of services to the communities they serve.

"We share a common heritage," said Zaccagnino, "Both hospitals have strong links to the Yale School of Medicine, and both organizations are a major presence in their community in terms of health care services, jobs and advocacy on behalf of patients."

In addition to the hospitals, the Yale-New Haven Health System encompasses a full spectrum of services including freestanding rehabilitation services, ambulatory surgery and outpatient diagnostic imaging centers, as well as primary care centers. The system also offers its own health plans: an HMO, Yale Preferred Health, in conjunction with Yale University; and a PPO, HealthChoice of Connecticut, in conjunction with Camillus/St. Francis Hospital. The system is also a shareholder of the Aetna Health Plans of Southern New England HMO and of a captive professional and general liability insurance corporation.