2 LI Hospitals In Talks To Join One Of Two Larger Health Systems

STONY BROOK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Two Long Island hospitals are in talks to join one of two larger health systems.

The hospitals are Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead and Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport.

Listen to LI Hospital In Talks To Join Larger Health Systems

Both hospitals told Newsday they were in discussions with Stony Brook University Hospital and North Shore-LIJ Health System.

Peconic Bay is a 200-bed hospital; Eastern Long Island has 90 beds.

Residents seem to be in strong support of the plan.

"Bigger, better," said Lorraine Newnon of Riverhead. "Absolutely."

"That can only bring improved health care," a resident said.

A decision on which system to affiliate with could come by the end of the year, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.

The discussions could lead to the end of the East End Health Alliance. It serves more than 300,000 residents over 300 square miles.

Kevin Dahill, chief executive of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council, says the alliance "certainly served its purpose.''

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