NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care Signs Letter of Intent
April 21, 2015
Two Kansas City area not-for-profits committed to hospice care have signed a letter of intent to combine resources and to assure continued access to high quality hospice care in the Northland. If approved by all governing Boards, the merger will be effective July 1, 2015.
While each organization reviews legal, operational and financial information, both agencies will operate independently to provide uninterrupted care for patients and families affected by terminal illness.
In describing the merger, Jody Abbott, board chair of NorthCare Hospice and North Kansas City Hospital senior vice president and chief operating officer said, “We have found an incredible partner who shares our belief that delivering excellent end-of-life care on a non-profit basis is the right thing to do. With combined staff, service areas and unique programs, we can continue to provide high quality care for patients and their loved ones at a critical and profound period in their lives.”
Discussions of a possible merger were prompted as both organizations looked to the future to address an increasingly complex financial and regulatory environment.
NorthCare Hospice plans to retain its name and operate as a division of KC Hospice in the Northland. The inpatient NorthCare Hospice House will remain on the North Kansas City Hospital campus.
“North Kansas City Hospital is committed to a long-term partnership with NorthCare Hospice and KC Hospice through the donation of space for the inpatient NorthCare Hospice House, administrative offices in the Meritas Health building on Vivion Road, and in other ways that foster success. We want to ensure that quality hospice care is available in the Northland to all who need it, regardless of financial circumstances.” said Peggy Schmitt, president and CEO of North Kansas City Hospital.
“This is such an exciting moment in the 35-year history of Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care and I couldn’t imagine a better celebration than pairing with NorthCare Hospice. Both organizations have a deep and long term commitment to the patients, families and communities we serve,” said Elaine McIntosh, president and CEO of Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care. “While we both offer the full continuum of services such as home, nursing facility and inpatient care, our strengths complement each other perfectly.”
About NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care
NorthCare Hospice is a not-for-profit organization offering a full continuum of hospice services such as home, nursing facility and inpatient care. With specialized programs in cardiac, ALS and Advanced Lung Disease, NorthCare Hospice has been serving Northland residents for 20 years. NorthCare Hospice primary service areas include Clay, Platte and surrounding counties. More than 130 staff and 130 volunteers serve more than 1,000 families each year.
About Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care
Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care is a not-for-profit organization offering a range of services for people of all ages and at any stage of serious illness. Specialized programs include pediatrics, palliative home health, Solace House Grief Support, and specialized therapies. The organization has been providing comfort and care to the seriously ill and their families in the greater Kansas City area since 1980. Every year, approximately 250 staff and 400 volunteers serve more than 2,500 families across nine counties in the greater Kansas City area.