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The Central NY Business Journal reported that A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta is the latest affiliate of Bassett Healthcare.

The two organizations inked a deal Oct. 16 making Fox the fifth and largest Bassett affiliate. The affiliation is effective Jan. 1. Fox is a 100-bed community hospital.

"This is a decision that will benefit the communities we serve, and it's the kind of collaboration the state is encouraging," Bassett President and CEO Dr. William F. Streck said.

In the current recession, the affiliation allows Fox to deliver care in a more cost-effective way, Fox CEO John Remillard said.

The agreements signed by the two institutions' boards state that Fox will become an affiliated hospital in the Bassett Healthcare Network under the Bassett corporate structure. Bassett will provide management and medical services to A.O. Fox Hospital.

The CEO of Fox Hospital will become an employee of Bassett. Fox Hospital retains its status as an independent hospital corporation. Fox physicians remain as they are now, either employed by Fox or independent practitioners who have privileges at Fox.

Current hospital staff will be Fox employees.

Bassett Healthcare is a network of practitioners, hospitals, and health centers in eight counties that employs over 3,000 people and covers 5,000 square miles in upstate New York.