Laconia, N.H.-based Lakes Region General Hospital is betting on orthopedics as it considers merging with a large healthcare system, The Laconia Daily Sun reports.
Three things to know:
1. Trying to recover from a heavy debt load and payment problems, the hospital is "deep, deep into discussion of a potential partnership," President and CEO Kevin Donovan told The Laconia Daily Sun.
2. Lakes Regional will maintain and enhance local care, including orthopedic services, to distinguish itself whether or not a deal transpires.
3. An aging local population is driving demand for orthopedic care. The hospital recently hired an additional hand surgeon and extended job offers to "a couple more orthopedic surgeons," Mr. Donovan said.