Stein Hospice merging with similar organization

SANDUSKY — Effective Friday, Hospice of the Western Reserve and Stein Hospice of Sandusky have joined together as one organization. A couple of points for people to know: • The Sandusky-area locations will remain open. • People and their families should not notice any change in service. The merger is largely an administrative move. Representatives from both organizations provided statements on the merger: Stein Hospice's CEO Jan Bucholz Stein Hospice, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has announced its plan to affiliate with Hospice of the Western Reserve. Founded by Rosalie Gdula Perry in 1981, Stein serves the end-of-life needs for residents of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca counties through its hospice, palliative care and bereavement programs. In 2021, Stein's hospice and palliative care program served over 1,500 patients. The decision to partner with another independent, not-for-profit hospice was based on decades-long collaboration for the purposes of contract and policy development and sharing of services. This collaboration has been successful and has enhanced Stein's ability to provide intense and comprehensive care at the bedside. The health care environment is increasingly challenging with rising costs and flat reimbursement. Cost savings in administrative areas allow for continued excellence at the bedside, the area that defines Stein Hospice and serves our community. The board and management of both Stein Hospice and Hospice of the Western Reserve are committed to a strategy of service, connection and collaboration. The mission, values and vision for service between the two organizations are identical and will bring stable and excellent care to those we are privileged to serve. Our merger is the next evolutionary step in continuing the history of this organization and building upon the foundation we have built over the last 40-plus years. Working together will ensure we continue to serve our communities for many years to come. Hospice of the Western Reserve Hospice of the Western Reserve, headquartered in Cleveland, is the leading provider of hospice and palliative care services for patients and their loved ones in northeast Ohio. Both Hospice of the Western Reserve and Stein Hospice have collaborated in the hospice and palliative care field for decades. Bill Finn, president and CEO of Hospice of the Western Reserve, praised retiring Stein Hospice CEO Jan Bucholz for her leadership and collaboration. "Jan's dedication and steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care have made a lasting impact. Her leadership has played an instrumental role in Stein's reputation as a premier nonprofit provider of hospice and palliative care," Finn said. He continued: "We are in an increasingly competitive environment. This new partnership ensures future generations will continue to have access to the best and most comprehensive end-of-life services available anywhere. Together, we will build on our shared foundation of excellence to serve future generations with the compassionate care that has been a hallmark of both organizations for more than 40 years."