By Cheryl Powell
Beacon Journal medical writer
POSTED: 02:02 p.m. EST, Dec 03, 2007
Akron General Medical Center confirmed today that it is forging a ''clinical affiliation'' with the Cleveland Clinic.
The deal maintains separate ownership but opens the door to partnerships in research, patient services and health and wellness initiatives.
The pact ends speculation about whether Akron General would ultimately give up its independence and merge into the Cleveland Clinic Health System, headed by the world-recognized Cleveland Clinic.
Instead, the two parties ended several months of talks and information sharing with an affiliation deal that focuses on ''building a bridge to medical innovation,'' Akron General President and Chief Executive Alan Bleyer said.
Akron General Medical Center confirmed today that it is forging a ''clinical affiliation'' with the Cleveland Clinic.
The deal maintains separate ownership but opens the door to partnerships in research, patient services and health and wellness initiatives.
The pact ends speculation about whether Akron General would ultimately give up its independence and merge into the Cleveland Clinic Health System, headed by the world-recognized Cleveland Clinic.
Instead, the two parties ended several months of talks and information sharing with an affiliation deal that focuses on ''building a bridge to medical innovation,'' Akron General President and Chief Executive Alan Bleyer said.
