Hood Memorial, through its Board of Commissioners, entered into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with North Oaks Health System, effective Dec. 3, 2018. The agreement is for consulting services and leadership.
“As Hospital Service District number 2 of Tangipahoa Parish, Hood Memorial Hospital has the responsibility to ensure the citizens it serves have access to quality health care, and we are committed to doing just that,” stated Charles M. Guzzardo, Hood Memorial board chairman. “Our board recognizes that healthcare financing and operations are extremely complex and require advanced knowledge, expertise, and experience. The North Oaks leadership team possesses the necessary healthcare acumen we need at this time.”
“I applaud the Hood Memorial board of commissioners for recognizing the need and taking the initiative to provide for supplemental knowledge and skill to succeed and be viable in the market by reaching out to fellow Tangipahoa Hospital Service District, North Oaks. I support their choice, and commend North Oaks for stepping up,” affirmed Parish Councilman Louis Joseph.
The Hood Memorial board of commissioners will maintain full control over its assets and operations. Hood has not delegated to North Oaks any of the powers, duties, and responsibilities vested in Hood by law.
Ron Macaluso, chairman of the North Oaks Board of Commissioners, said, “On behalf of my fellow commissioners and the North Oaks team, I am honored that Hood recognizes North Oaks’ great leadership and care delivery and asked for our assistance. Quality healthcare services are critically essential to our parish and its citizens. Additionally, without this valuable resource—healthcare—our parish cannot have robust economic development.”
“It is my belief that this cooperative endeavor agreement between our two Tangipahoa Hospital Service Districts is prudent and mutually beneficial. These facilities have a long history of working together for the betterment of our citizens,” said Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller.