Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) and Dignity Health have completed an affiliation, uniting two strong healthcare systems that are committed to creating healthier communities by providing accessible, affordable and innovative health services.

The affiliation will scale best-in-class clinical services, recruit and retain primary care providers and top medical specialists, and align clinical operations to improve delivery of care. It will also bring to Yavapai County innovative medical technologies and treatments, as well as collaborative initiatives with existing community resources, which will expand YRMC’s ability to effectively serve and advocate for all people.

“This partnership is a reflection of our shared vision and values with YRMC, and we look forward to helping enhance healthcare services for the residents of Yavapai County,” says Linda Hunt, president and CEO of Dignity Health’s Arizona division. “Yavapai County residents will continue to receive exceptional medical care, and now they will also have access to world-class specialty services.”

In addition to providing leading acute-care services and expanding access to healthcare, the affiliation is focused on reinvesting in the community through grants and the creation of additional clinical programs to better serve the residents of Yavapai County.

“This is an important milestone in our 77-year journey of serving Yavapai County,” says John Amos, president and CEO of YRMC. “This affiliation will expand our current healthcare services and resources to benefit the people and communities we serve.”

Dignity Health and the Prescott community share a special historical significance that dates back to the 1890s when the Sisters of Mercy, who founded Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, opened Prescott’s first hospital.

“We have a long-standing shared legacy with Yavapai County and we are excited to come home to provide a strong future of healthcare services within the Quad Cities,” says Hunt.

Leadership from both organizations are working closely to ensure consistent, thoughtful alignment. No assets were exchanged under the affiliation, and any transitions will be phased in over the next year. YRMC will be part of Dignity Health’s Arizona division and will remain a not-for-profit, community hospital. The affiliation is not anticipated to cause any disruption in service or access to healthcare, but rather increase access and availability to health services. The organizations’ leaders will continue to communicate developments with staff and community stakeholders as they occur.

Dignity Health’s Arizona division includes six acute-care hospitals in the Phoenix-area including Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, which includes Barrow Neurological Institute, Norton Thoracic Institute, and Dignity Health Cancer Institute; St. Joseph's Westgate Medical Center, Arizona General Hospital Laveen and Arizona General Hospital Mesa. From this foundation, Dignity Health in Arizona has expanded into a comprehensive healthcare system, which includes clinics, specialty hospitals, urgent cares, insurance providers, and an accountable care organization.