2 Upstate Hospitals Forging Stronger Partnership

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (AP) — One of the largest hospitals in upstate New York is forging a stronger partnership with another hospital to improve medical care for residents of the state's eastern areas.

Officials from Glens Falls Hospital and Albany Medical Center held a news conference Wednesday to announce an alliance aimed at better coordinating medical care for residents of neighboring Warren and Washington counties.

Most aspects of both institutions — including medical staffs and other employees — will remain separate under the proposed structure.

Hospital officials say the arrangement will give residents in the region improved access to advanced medical specialists and other health care resources.

The two hospitals, along with partners Saratoga Hospital and Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, now combine for a total of 1,500 beds and 2.5 million outpatient visits annually.