St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Network announced today that it will acquire North Medical, P.C.

The acquisition of North Medical, P.C. creates one of the state’s largest healthcare networks. With more than 450 professional and supporting staff, including nearly 80 physicians and mid-levels, North Medical, P.C. serves more than 320,000 patients annually through its five practices located at North and Northeast Medical Centers.

The five practices include Family Physicians, Urgent Care, Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, The Women’s Place, and Living Proof Longevity Centre.

“We have made this strategic business decision to help stabilize our network and ensure we have enough primary care physicians, which is essential as we move through health care reform,” said Theodore M. Pasinski, president of St. Joseph’s.

Founded in 1989 by Dr. A. John Merola, NMPC is the largest privately held comprehensive primary care practice in Central New York. Dr. Susan Merola-McConn and Dr. Mark McConn will serve on the leadership team for the new practice.

“NMPC and St. Joseph’s share a common vision – to improve patient access to quality health care,” said Merola-McConn, executive vice president of North Medical, P.C. “The new practice reflects our desire to create a seamless patient-focused experience. As part of the St. Joseph’s healthcare network, we will continue to be an integral part of the health care fabric in Central New York.”

The acquisition is expected to be completed by Dec. 31. Employees for both organizations were notified earlier today.

St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center is a non-profit, 431-bed hospital and health care network providing services to patients from Onondaga and 15 surrounding counties. Through prevention programs and the latest diagnostic treatment procedures, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center works with patients to achieve optimum long-term health.

A 10-time winner of the National Research Corporation Consumer Choice award, St. Joseph’s is designated a Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the highest honor bestowed on a hospital for nursing care. Affiliated with Franciscan Management Services, Inc., St. Joseph’s is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis.

For more information on St. Joseph’s programs and services, call the Resource Line at 703-2138 or 1-888-STJOES1.