Eugene Emergency Physicians and PeaceHealth have finalized a new agreement to continue providing emergency department physician services throughout Lane County.
The two organizations began negotiating the new contract immediately after settling the court case between EEP and PeaceHealth nearly two weeks ago.
The three-year agreement covers EEP emergency medicine services at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend and PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center.
Dr. Gianina Best, who has worked with EEP for nine years, said the last three months have been challenging since PeaceHealth announced it would end its 35-year partnership with EEP. She said she and her colleagues are now thankful for the fresh start.
“We went into the negotiation wanting a collaborative attitude because we are partners in this,” Best said. “I think in the end, PeaceHealth and EEP have the same shared goal of providing high quality emergency care in the community. We had many discussions and EEP definitely felt heard throughout the process.”
In a statement, PeaceHealth interim chief executive Heather Wall said the agreement “reflects a shared commitment” and builds a stronger foundation for moving forward together.
Wall assumed the top executive position for PeaceHealth Oregon after Dr. Jim McGovern was removed from the role on March 14. He was accused of exceeding his administrative authority and attempting to influence clinical decision-making and patient care, despite not holding a medical license in Oregon.
In its May 20 statement, PeaceHealth also reaffirmed its commitment to “ongoing engagement with first responders, community leaders and regional partners to support a more coordinated approach to emergency services across Lane County.”
PeaceHealth leaders said they will share more details as plans continue to develop for a “community coalition centered on emergency care partnerships in Lane County.”
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