Backus, Hartford Corporations explore affiliation

Backus Corporation and Hartford HealthCare Corporation announced that they are exploring affiliation.

Backus Corporation is the parent of William W. Backus Hospital. The Hartford HealthCare network includes Hartford Hospital, the Hospital of Central Connecticut, MidState Medical Center, Natchaug Hospital, Windham Hospital and a wide spectrum of additional pre- and post-acute health services. AFT Connecticut represents healthcare professionals at Backus, Natchaug and Windham.

"Affiliations like this are nothing new," said Sharon Palmer, president of AFT Connecticut. "The important thing here is that patient needs are being met. As this moves along we will be keeping a close eye on it and work to ensure that the Office of Health Care Access (OHCA) protects the community."

Backus and Hartford already have a partnership through the LIFE STAR program.

Backus CEO David Whitehead has stated he "wants to involve all stakeholders in this discussion as we explore affiliation."

"We certainly hope he means this," said Palmer. "Thus far in contract negotiations Whitehead has expressed no interest in hearing from the nurses."

The Backus nurses voted to form a union last May and have been in negotiations since then.

"The nurses are the ones who deliver the patient care every day," said Palmer. "They understand best what services are needed and management should start listening to them."