FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO):  Wednesday afternoon, leaders with Wabash County Hospital (WCH) and Parkview Health announced their intent to pursue an affiliation agreement.

The WCH board began exploring the possibility of a relationship nearly six months ago and has recently agreed to sign a letter of intent as the next step in forming the affiliation with Parkview Health. All of the recent changes in healthcare among several other factors all contributed to their decision.

The exact framework of the affiliation will be defined over the coming months.

“The letter of intent is the next step in the affiliation process. Once it is signed, we will begin negotiations with Parkview Health,” said Marilyn Custer-Mitchell, president and CEO, Wabash County Hospital. “We are excited to be working further with Parkview Health and look forward to our ongoing discussions. They are a well-respected organization with strong leadership and quality physicians.”

“We share Wabash County Hospital’s excitement as the two organizations look to further explore what the appropriate steps are moving forward,” said Mike Packnett, president and CEO, Parkview Health. “There are a number of opportunities to discuss as we evaluate how we may best work together to serve the Wabash community.”