Exploratory merger talks between Geary Community Hospital and Salina Regional Health Center have come to an end with a decision not to proceed any further.

According to Michael Terry, CEO of Salina Regional Health Center, “After review of the study, the board has decided that is not the right time for the Salina Regional Health Center to continue down the path of negotiations with Geary Community Hospital. We continue to wish them success in the future.”

Geary Community Hospital CEO, Joe Stratton , remarked, “Over the past year Salina Regional and Geary Community Hospital have spent a notable amount of time in the study of a potential partnership, yet in the end we’re just not able to move ahead.”

The exploratory phase began in August 2017 to examine the potential of a long-term strategic alliance between the two hospitals.

The due diligence was completed by Eide Bailly LLP, a regional certified public accounting and business advisory firm. A consultant with Eide Bailly presented its study to the Salina Regional Board of Trustees at its November 15th Board meeting.