OMC on its way to join GHS

Oconee Medical Center and Greenville Health System have approved a non-binding agreement that calls for OMC to join GHS as part of what’s called an integrated health system. The letter of intent was approved by the OMC board yesterday and by the GHS board today. Final agreement is expected in June. The affiliation could take the form of a long-term lease of at least 50 years and include full integration of Oconee Medical Center into the operations of GHS. But Oconee would continue to have its own medical staff. “This agreement follows more than two months of analysis and discussion between our two organizations about whether and how to move forward,” said Rick Phillips, board chairman of Oconee Medical Center. “We are pleased to take this important step toward enhancing the delivery of high quality local healthcare services to the people of Oconee County and surrounding communities.”