Integration Update

Several recent major developments broadening the geographic reach of Jefferson Health System include:

• Albert Einstein Healthcare Network - Albert Einstein Healthcare Network's governing board has authorized the execution of an agreement that calls for Einstein to become a full member of JHS. A final agreement is expected to be executed within 90 days. Einstein will become the third "founding member" of JHS, adding broad geographic coverage to JHS in the northern section of the Philadelphia market. As a founding member, Einstein's representation on the JHS governing board will equal that of each of the original JHS members - Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Main Line Health. Albert Einstein Healthcare Network is a 1,001-licensed-bed healthcare system that includes Albert Einstein Medical Center, Moss Rehab, Willowcrest Center for Subacute Care, Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations. Einstein also includes a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare, with practice sites in Northwest, North Central, Northeast Philadelphia, and in Lower Bucks and Southeastern Montgomery counties.
  
  
• Underwood Memorial Hospital - A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Underwood-Memorial Hospital, a nonprofit 310-bed community hospital in Woodbury, NJ, and Jefferson Health System. The two organizations will pursue a strategic relationship that may involve a series of joint venture activities, managed care contracting, network development and other integration. Discussions will focus on the development of integrated service networks involving hospital, ambulatory and physician services. The Gloucester County facility is the first New Jersey hospital to step forward to gain a firm relationship with JHS.

In addition, personnel changes reflecting continuing Jefferson Health System integration include:

• James D. Plumb, MD, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, and a member of the Family Medicine Department at Jefferson, has been appointed Associate Medical Director, Jefferson Hospice.
  
  "Dr. Plumb's extensive leadership in hospice will be an important asset to the expansion of this program," said Abigail A. Silvers, MD, Medical Director of Jefferson Hospice.
  
  After graduation from Jefferson Medical College and Family Medicine residency in 1977, Dr. Plumb served as Residency Director. During eight years of private practice in Bellafonte, Pennsylvania, he served as Medical Director of Center Hospice, and upon returning to Jefferson in 1990, has written numerous articles on hospice and palliative care, and served as Medical Director of VITAS Hospice. He also serves at present as Project Director of the Uganda AIDS Project.
  
  Jefferson Hospice is part of the recently established Jefferson Home Care Network, linking Jefferson's home care services with those of Main Line Health. Jefferson Hospice is a Medicare-certified, JCAHO-accredited program that now serves the Jefferson Health System regional community.
  
  
• Jeanne B. Fisher has been named Vice President, Human Resources, for Jefferson Health System. Her appointment was announced by Douglas S. Peters, President and Chief Executive Officer, JHS. Ms. Fisher has been Vice President of Human Resources for Main Line Health, a member of JHS, and she will continue in that responsibility as well. "Ms. Fisher will bring greater coordination to the human resource functions within the System," said Mr. Peters.