Montefiore Health System and SBH Health System have signed a “Letter of Intent” (LOI) agreeing to explore a closer integrated relationship, further strengthening a partnership that has served the Bronx for years.

The two health systems already have a long tradition of sharing the best elements of their unique strengths.  SBH’s Level 1 Trauma Center and expert stroke and AIDS care are complemented by Montefiore’s high end clinical research, and advanced specialty care in fields like cancer, cardiology and transplant. In a more integrated relationship the combined specialties of these  two health systems has the potential to touch thousands of lives in need. 

"For years SBH has been our steadfast partner in providing the best quality healthcare to Bronx residents," said Steven M. Safyer M.D., President and CEO of Montefiore Health System. "With this Letter of Intent we can build on the strong foundation already in place to improve our community’s health outcomes. Our combined expertise offers clinical excellence, specialty care, a  trauma center, and perhaps most important, an unwavering dedication to delivering the best possible healthcare to an underserved community."

”We see this as a logical next step for formalizing what has been a long and positive relationship. All citizens of the Bronx deserve the very best care and together we will deliver on that commitment.” added David Perlstein, M.D., President and CEO of SBH Health System, “This confirms our mutual intent to evaluate a possible integration and collaboration that will align with the transformation of healthcare and ensure the delivery of the highest quality care to the community for many years to come.”

In addition to sharing clinical practice, in recent years, Montefiore and SBH have also teamed up in a number of programs devoted to improving healthcare delivery in the Bronx.  Bronx Partners for Healthy Communities (BPHC), their New York State recognized DSRIP Performing Provider System; the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Pioneer ACO program; and participation in HealthFirst’s provider network are just a few.  Montefiore and SBH also share numerous clinical and academic affiliations.

Montefiore and SBH are two of New York City’s most venerable healthcare organizations.  Founded in 1884, Montefiore is the academic medical center and University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Consisting of ten hospitals with more than 3,000 beds, Montefiore includes the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM), Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and close to 200 outpatient care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at Montefiore and Einstein makes Montefiore one of the nation’s premier research and healthcare institutions.

St. Barnabas Hospital, the flagship for SBH, is a 422-bed, not-for-profit, acute care community hospital with a Level I Trauma Center, a dialysis treatment center and New York State-designated Stroke and AIDS centers. It provides primary care, specialty services and behavioral healthcare at sites throughout the Bronx. The primary clinical affiliate of the new CUNY School of Medicine, it celebrates its 150^th anniversary in 2016.