Community Health Collaborative Works to Strengthen Hospitals, Physician Practices

In 2011, Southwest General, EMH Healthcare and Parma Community General Hospital formed the Community Health Collaborative (CHC) to individually and collectively strengthen the participating hospital systems and enable them to better meet the changes in today’s health care environment.

The CHC provides member hospitals with higher levels of effi ciency and effectiveness by allowing them to work together to address some of the most important challenges faced by all health care providers today. Additionally, the CHC is working with physicians and other providers throughout the region to assist them in strengthening their practices.

Participating hospital systems are able to remain a strong and independent force in their respective communities. Each system continues to maintain existing relationships with other health care entities.

In November 2011, CHC leaders signed an agreement to participate in CliniSync, Ohio’s statewide health information exchange created by the Ohio Health Information Partnership. Hospitals and other health care providers connected to CliniSync will have secure access to their patients’ clinical results in real time. This will enhance the continuum of care as providers electronically share critical health information to facilitate optimum care and treatment for their patients.