47 Erie County Medical Center 1978-Present A new era of cooperation and collaboration. Since 2008, as a result of the recommendations made by the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century (Berger Commission), the Great Lakes Health System of Western New York (first known as the Western New York Healthcare System) has overseen ongoing collaboration between Kaleida Health and Erie County Medical Center Corporation. This not-for-profit, community-based corporation brings together Kaleida Health, ECMC, the University at Buffalo, the Visiting Nursing Association of Western New York and The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care to discuss how – together – they can improve access to and the quality of health care delivery in the region. On June 23, 2008, ECMCC, the University at Buffalo, Kaleida Health and the Western New York Healthcare System announced a settlement over litigation regarding the implementation of the Berger Commission reform and consolidation efforts. Following extensive planning and negotiations, New York State Department of Health Commissioner Richard Daines on June 30, 2008, stated, “Kaleida and ECMC will be able to focus on their strengths and apply their resources strategically. The University at Buffalo will emerge in the catalytic role a great university and medical school can and must play in an academic medical center and in the intellectual and economic development of a region. The biggest winners are the residents of Western New York who will benefit from access to integrated, high-quality, local health services. Primary and preventive care will be infused with new energy. Secondary hospital level care will occur in a vastly improved, rationalized and re-capitalized hospital system.” ECMC’s Board of Directors, led by then Chair Kevin Cichocki, Board members Sharon Hanson and Jody Lomeo, General Counsel Anthony J. Colucci III, as well as physicians from both ECMC and Kaleida Health, and State Supreme Court Justice John M. Curran, are all widely credited with bringing about this outcome in 2008. At the time Judge Curran stated, “This is the most complex thing I have ever been involved with.” On October 17, 2008, the organization officially announced its name as the Great Lakes Health System of Western New York, with its Board Chair Robert D. Gioia stating, “Today, we take another step forward in building a new era for health care. Great Lakes Health conveys a strong geographical presence that is consistent with our mission. We are no longer limiting ourselves to serving a part of the city or any particular suburb. As a single entity, we have the resources to serve the entire region and beyond.” Jody Lomeo, President & CEO, Great Lakes Health System of Western New York and Robert D. Gioia, Chair, Great Lakes Health System of Western New York Board of Directors, led the development and creation of the not-for-profit, community-based corporation that oversees unified partners from Kaleida Health, ECMC and the University at Buffalo. Photo courtesy Joe Cascio.