Merger talks are over for Care New England, Lifespan

Merger talks between Care New England, one of the largest healthcare systems in Rhode Island, Brown University and Lifespan, operator of Rhode Island Hospital, are over.

CNE’s board voted to withdraw from the merger discussion with Brown and Lifespan, which the health system attended at the request of the Governor of Rhode Island.

Previously, Partners Healthcare, a healthcare system based in Boston, had tried to acquire CNE, but was thwarted after objections by the Governor to keep the system localized within the state.

Instead of looking to be acquired, CNE is taking other steps to improve its operations.   

“CNE has implemented a remarkable turnaround with significant improvements,” Charles R. Reppucci, chair, CNE Board of Directors & James E. Fanale, MD, president and CEO of CNE, said in a statement. “With this in mind, it is the respectful position of CNE to step back and continue on the dedicated path of improving quality, service, and access to health care for our patients.”

According to CNE, it is in the best interest of the health system and the community to withdraw from potential merger talks.

CNE is still involved in a collaboration with Brown University and Lifespan.

Amy Baxter

Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."

Around the web

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.