MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital is seeking partnerships with healthcare facilities in multiple states to “better position itself for a lengthy future,” according to hospital officials.

The hospital is requesting proposals from potential partners, seeking a partnership or affiliation. Requests for proposals will be sent to healthcare facilities in multiple states,” MMH officials said.

"Massena Memorial has a lot to offer when it comes to selecting an affiliation partner that will help it meet the demands of the future," said Bob Wolleben, chief executive officer. “As a rural, municipal hospital, MMH has an unique opportunity to continue to improve its delivery of quality, affordable and accessible health care to the community.”

Such an alliance could provide the community with “a broader range of health care services and increased access to medical professionals,” a statement from MMH reads.

The board adopted several guidelines for selecting a partner. They include “culture, growth, increasing physician resources, quality, financial, governance and human resources,” MMH said.

On Monday, Wolleben gave a presentation to the MMH Board of Managers where he announced several significant strides in the hospital’s attempt to become a private, non-profit entity. He says they will not be able to affiliate or merge as a municipal hospital. Read more about that here.

“We are committed to our patients, staff, physicians and the local community. Working with the Town Board MMH has begun the conversion process that will ensure the long-term sustainability of Massena Memorial Hospital for generations to come,” Wolleben said in a prepared statement. “We will continue to stay transparent and keep the community and employees informed on our progress in regards to the conversion process. This is the next step in our process for the conversion from municipal ownership to nonprofit status. Our singular focus is ensuring Massena Memorial Hospital continues to meet our community’s needs, provide top-notch employment opportunities and remain recognized as a great place for patients. I can say without a doubt that patients and employees have been, and continue to be, the top priority at Massena Memorial Hospital.

“Healthcare is changing in our community and across the country … We want to position ourselves to stay strong and competitive in this era of health care reform."