Volume 18, No. 2, Spring 2010
Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, (H&PCCC) has expanded its service area with the signing of an asset purchase agreement with Hospice of Boston & Greater Brockton (HOB).
Under the agreement, HOB, which serves Plymouth, Bristol, Norfolk and Suffolk Counties, will become a program of H&PCCC supported by the Hyannis-based infrastructure and administrative personnel.
However, even thought they now are employees of H&PCCC, all clinical and office staff will continue to operate from their service location in Brockton. HOB is retaining its brand identity and name, building upon its relationships with physicians and other healthcare professionals, vendors, and community agencies.
Most importantly, in ensuring a seamless transition with continuity of care and service, HOB patients and families will continue to be cared for by their existing hospice team members, including nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers.
As significant changes in healthcare reform are taking place, providers such as Hospices, face many key issues, including decreased and changing reimbursement models and increased regulatory complexity. The consolidation is expected to enhance each program’s ability to respond to the growing challenges.
The HOB acquisition follows a similar expansion completed last November when H&PCCC created its Island Hospice program, bringing its services to Martha’s Vineyard through a collaboration with Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard and Vineyard Nursing Association.
“This expansion through the acquisition of HOB is a natural step for us, one that is consistent with both our strategic vision and our stated mission,” said David Rehm, CEO of H&PCCC. “The joining together of our organizations creates an opportunity to increase access to Hospice care, bringing our unique ‘Open Door’ philosophy to a broader and underserved population, creating a contiguous service area spanning Provincetown to Boston.
“Through this kind of thoughtful strategic growth, we can reach a level of critical mass that will enable us to serve in new ways, strengthening our long-term viability and community value on Cape Cod and beyond.”
Under the “Open Door” policy, H&PCCC commits to serving anyone eligible for and entitled to the full range of Hospice services, regardless of complexity of care or ability to pay. The approach simplifies admission criteria, enabling patients to receive services earlier and optimize their quality of life, without foregoing any types of treatment that might be beneficial. In the two years since its inception, the “Open Door” approach has resulted in a significant increase in the number of patients receiving care.
Ruth Capernaros, HOB President/CEO, noted, “Our two organizations enjoy a common history as pioneers in the non-profit Hospice movement here in New England. We are very excited to be bringing together our shared heritage of providing high-quality care to our respective communities.”