Baptist, Fishermen’s Hospital explore the possibilities

Baptist, Fishermen’s Hospital explore the possibilities - A sign in front of a building - Fishermen’s Community Hospital

Baptist Health South Florida and Fishermen’s Community Hospital have signed a letter of intent to explore a potential affiliation between the two organizations and are now working toward a definitive agreement expected to be formalized sometime in 2017.

Fishermen’s Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Chapman says the letter begins a period of due diligence that will open up detailed discussions between the two entities.

He said the Board, made up of Marathon residents, will remain as well as the medical staff and support staff.

Chapman says the board’s goal is for Baptist to continue to operate Fishermen’s as a critical-access hospital and expects the affiliation will expand healthcare services in Marathon.

“The benefits are that Baptist has strong financials, new technology, and strong leadership that will ensure long term sustainability of health care in Marathon,” he added. “There are certain things we can do such as sharing doctors and installing new equipment that would benefit our community – possibly even providing cancer treatment.”

Fishermen’s Community Hospital has operated as a non-profit, community-owned hospital since July 1, 2011. Baptist is affiliated with Mariners Hospital in Tavernier and Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables and owns six other facilities in South Florida including Homestead Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital.