Mission-focused South Shore Health to Remain Independent

South Shore Health President & CEO Dr. Allen Smith today announced that the organization has completed a thorough and deliberative review of proposals received through an RFP process, undertaken as part of a strategic initiative that began in early 2020. By unanimous vote, the South Shore Health Board of Directors decided that remaining independent now is the best decision to ensure the organization’s strength for years to come and to honor its deep history serving South Shore residents.

The strategic review involved input from multiple stakeholders to identify whether there were potential opportunities the system could explore to best meet the current and future health and wellness needs of patients, families, and the entire South Shore community.

Board Chair Ken Kirkland said, “We extend our sincere thanks to the organizations that responded to the RFP process with proposals that were detailed, thoughtful, and creative. Our decision-making was defined less by eliminating certain organizations than it was by recognizing that we have the talent and infrastructure to be successful. We will continue to evolve, innovate, and form clinical affiliations to meet the needs of our community, and are confident that remaining independent is the best way for us to do that at this time.”

While the strategic review was underway, South Shore Health—like every other health care system—significantly adjusted its operations to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the same period, South Shore Health completed an executive search culminating in the late-November appointment of Dr. Allen L. Smith as President & CEO.

“In making this decision, the Board recognizes that we have the power to chart our own path,” said Dr. Smith.

“This decision ensures we can stay mission-focused in meeting the needs of our community while adapting to a rapidly evolving industry, and it honors our deep history of service to the South Shore. We look forward to celebrating our centennial as an independent healthcare system with the community in 2022.”

The Board vote ensures South Shore Health can preserve its value as a provider of primary and specialty care, elective procedures, acute care, urgent care, home and community care, and preventative and wellness services to more than one million residents across the South Shore.

In an email to the South Shore Health staff, Kirkland expressed gratitude for their unwavering commitment to exceptional and compassionate care for patients and the region and wrote, “South Shore Health’s Board of Directors embarked on this journey, understanding that it is our duty to regularly examine options to ensure that our organization and our community are best positioned for success now and in the future. We know that our organization’s long-standing strength is derived from our ability to embrace innovation and change, and this fact was made even more evident over the past year.”

The Board’s decision marks the end of the RFP process, but the organization’s strategic initiative will continue. The South Shore Health Board and Senior Leadership Team affirmed the need to embrace change and innovation to meet the current and future health and wellness needs of the community.