The New York State Department of Health still needs to give its final approval, but two area hospices are set for a merger. The boards of directors and the leadership of Hospice of the Finger Lakes (HFL) and Hospice of Central New York (HCNY) have agreed to merge. The decision follows “several months of negotiations,” […]
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The New York State Department of Health still needs to give its final approval, but two area hospices are set for a merger.
The boards of directors and the leadership of Hospice of the Finger Lakes (HFL) and Hospice of Central New York (HCNY) have agreed to merge.
The decision follows “several months of negotiations,” the organizations said in a joint news release issued May 22.
Hospice of Central New York is located at 990 7th North St. in Salina. Hospice of the Finger Lakes operates at 1130 Corporate Dr. in Auburn.
Upon approval by the state Health Department, the combined organizations “will function as one entity.” HCNY will use the Hospice of the Finger Lakes name in Cayuga County, according to the release.
“Although HFL has managed through some significant challenges, it has become increasingly difficult for small agencies like HFL to thrive and provide the level of services necessary. Fortunately, due to strong management, coupled with the generous support from our many private fundraising activities, our Thrift Shop and grants, we have been able to continue to provide the compassionate service our communities have grown to expect. We believe this merger will allow the organization to function more efficiently in today’s health-care world,” Tim Callahan, president of the HFL board of directors, said in the release.
HCNY intends to offer HFL’s staff positions in the new organization. In addition, volunteers who currently support HFL “will be offered the opportunity” to continue to volunteer in the area.
HFL has 21 employees and about 100 volunteers, according to the release. HCNY currently has 120 employees and about 200 volunteers, William Pfohl, communications officer at HCNY, said in an email response to a CNYBJ inquiry.
HFL plans to maintain its fundraising arm as a “means of support” for hospice and palliative care in the community and will maintain office space in the current Auburn location.
The agreement also calls for HFL to have two seats on HCNY’s board of directors.
HFL will begin the official transition planning and implementation once the New York State Department of Health approves its certificate of need application.
HFL will “continue to operate in the ordinary course of business” until the merger is finalized, the agency said.
Existing relationship
HFL has been working for “several years” with clinical staff from HCNY, assisting with initial assessments of patients referred to the agency from Syracuse hospitals. The collaboration has “expedited the referral and admission process; and been fiscally prudent saving on staff time and travel,” the organizations said.
“The goal of this merger is to ensure that hospice services in our service area will continue to be provided with the exceptional care that our communities have come to expect from Hospice of the Finger Lakes. The consolidation of administrative, clinical support and other functions will result in cost savings and a stronger organization able to maintain a high level of service for families in our community,” Theresa Kline, HFL executive director, said.
HFL serves people in Cayuga County and western parts of Onondaga County.
Hospice of Central New York is “excited about this merger,” Cynthia Chandler, CEO of Hospice of Central New York, said.
“HFL has an excellent reputation and we felt our longstanding relationship gave both organizations the confidence that this merger will strengthen our shared mission to bring high-quality, compassionate care to people with life-limiting illness and support to their loved ones,” Chandler added.
Chandler will serve as the CEO of the combined organization, Matt Chadderdon, communications counsel for HFL, told CNYBJ in a May 23 phone conversation. Kline will also have a role in the combined organization, but Chadderdon indicated that Kline’s new role is still under discussion.
About the agencies
Hospice of the Finger Lakes says it has provided end-of-life services for more than 30 years. Hospice resulted from discussions in the early 1980s in Cayuga County when several local agencies expressed the need for hospice service in the community. HFL was officially established in 1988. Its staff and volunteers have offered comfort care to over 3,500 patients and families during this time. The HFL service area includes Cayuga County and the townships of Skaneateles, Spafford and Elbridge in western Onondaga County.
At any given time, Hospice of the Finger Lakes handles about 15 patients, Chadderdon told CNYBJ.
The organization now known as Hospice of Central New York began in the late 1970s “and was known as The Caring Coalition since 1981. The agency was certified in 1985 by Medicare as a provider of hospice services and became known as Hospice of Central New York. At any given time, Hospice of Central New York serves about 150 patients and families.”
