The Guthrie Clinic has reached an agreement with Ascension to purchase Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital (Lourdes Hospital) and its affiliated locations and physician practices.

The acquisition aims to enhance and maintain access to healthcare services for patients in Binghamton and the neighbouring communities.

Following the acquisition, Lourdes Hospital will join Guthrie's integrated delivery system, which includes a well-established group practice in Sayre, Pennsylvania.

Guthrie president and CEO Edmund Sabanegh Jr said: “We are excited to bring Lourdes into our Guthrie family, with many shared values and mutual commitment to patient-centred care.

“Like Lourdes, Guthrie has a strong tradition of serving our communities, providing care to patients where they are.

“This transaction will enable a continuation of this joint tradition and strengthen our investments in care delivery, patient outcomes, and experience for the greater Binghamton community.”

The transition process will include the integration of Lourdes' current services, facilities, providers, and staff.

Lourdes Hospital provides access to emergency and acute care, speciality care, and ambulatory surgery, as well as a health and wellness centre, cancer centre, and a network of primary care providers in the region.

Pending regulatory approvals, the transaction is anticipated to be completed next year. Until then, Guthrie and Lourdes will operate independently.

Lourdes CEO and president Kathy Connerton said: “This transition will ensure that the Binghamton community has sustainable, quality healthcare access long into the future.”