SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–Baystate Health has completed the integration of Baystate Mercy Hospital, its joint venture affiliates and 45 medical group entities across Massachusetts into its healthcare system, marking a significant expansion of its operations in Western Massachusetts.
The integration, which took effect November 1, also includes the implementation of a new Oracle Health electronic health record system and the launch of MyBaystate Health, a secure patient portal designed to improve communication and coordination between patients and healthcare providers.
The transition follows seven months of planning and preparation aimed at maintaining healthcare access while combining hospital operations, medical practices and information technology systems.
Baystate Health said patients will continue receiving care from their existing physicians and healthcare teams at the same locations in Springfield, Chicopee and Agawam.
Previously scheduled appointments will proceed as planned, and the transition will not affect patients’ insurance coverage or change telephone numbers for the hospital and affiliated clinics.
“This is a pioneering day for Baystate Health as we welcome Baystate Mercy Hospital to our health system and launch our modernized Oracle Health electronic health record both on the same day,” said Peter D. Banko, President and Chief Executive Officer of Baystate Health. “Few organizations are given this opportunity to preserve a 152-year legacy and write the next chapters in that same story. The Sisters of Providence shaped the social fabric of Western Massachusetts by going where the need was greatest and building enduring institutions that provided care to the sick, vulnerable, poor, or forgotten. As we welcome our newest team members and continue our work together, we honor that legacy and carry forward our mission to deliver compassionate, quality and accessible care for all.”
The integration brings Mercy Hospital’s operations and affiliated medical practices under Baystate Health while preserving the hospital’s longstanding role in serving communities throughout the Springfield area.
The new electronic health record platform is intended to provide physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals with more consistent access to patient information across the expanded system.
By consolidating medical records and introducing a unified patient portal, Baystate Health aims to simplify appointment management, improve communication and support coordination among providers treating patients at different facilities.
The transition also creates opportunities for closer collaboration between Baystate Mercy Hospital and other Baystate facilities in Springfield.
“Our focus since April has been on Day 1 readiness – our people, our patients, and the systems that support delivering care for our community,” said Banko. “Springfield must have two thriving, growing, successful hospitals. That is absolutely essential for health care and economic growth in our region. After we stabilize over the next few weeks, our physicians and clinicians will be leading efforts to find the way best ways for two hospitals six blocks apart to collaborate, expand access, and improve quality, safety, and patient experience.”
Baystate Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department will continue operating around the clock and is now staffed by board-certified emergency medicine faculty from Baystate Health.
The transition also brings the Sister Caritas Cancer Center into Baystate Health’s broader cancer care program, with the goal of coordinating oncology services and expanding access to cancer treatment across the region.
Andrew Ritz, who oversaw the integration process, will serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of Baystate Mercy Hospital.
“It’s an exciting day for our community and team members, and we’ve worked hard to provide uninterrupted access and continuity of services,” said Ritz. “Throughout the integration process, it has become clear that we are far more similar than different. We want a growing Baystate Mercy Hospital. We want a strong and stable Baystate Health. And we want to improve access to compassionate and quality care, right here in our community, while delivering an exceptional experience – for every patient, every physician, and every team member.”
Baystate Health said the integration is intended to strengthen the financial and operational stability of healthcare services in Western Massachusetts while maintaining access to hospital and outpatient care.
The combined system will focus on improving patient experiences, expanding clinical collaboration and using shared technology to support more efficient healthcare delivery.
The transition also preserves Mercy Hospital’s 152-year history of serving the Springfield community while bringing its facilities and medical practices into Baystate Health’s regional network.
