The merger of Maine Quality Counts, a Manchester-based nonprofit that has led a number of initiatives to improve health care in Maine since 2003, with the national health care consulting firm Qualidigm will take effect on Jan. 1.
The two companies previously announced an intent-to-merge in June 2018 with a stated completion date of Aug. 1, 2019. Qualidigm is based in Wethersfield, Conn.
As part of each company’s respective governance process, the Maine Quality Counts board ratified the merger agreement on Nov. 7 and Qualidigm’s board ratified the final version at its annual meeting on Dec. 12. As a result of each board’s decision, the merger will be completed seven months ahead of schedule.
The companies said in a news release that the merger will dramatically expand each organization’s presence across New England and creates “a leading health care consulting company dedicated to quality improvement services.”
Qualidigm President and CEO, Dr. Timothy Elwell, will assume leadership of the combined company effective Jan. 1.
“We are pleased to welcome Maine Quality Counts to the Qualidigm family,” Elwell said. “The talent of our overall organization is deep and experienced in quality improvement science and learning and diffusion techniques. Our expertise spans across all health care delivery domains, including hospitals, physician practices, home health, long-term care, and hospice.”
Elwell said the companies are working to fully integrate their services.
“As a result of the merger with Maine Quality Counts, and combining our offices in New Hampshire and Vermont, we now offer unparalleled expertise in the delivery of rural health services throughout New England to improve access to quality health care to all patients,” he said. “The future for our company is bright and our talent pool is deep. I am excited for Qualidigm’s future in delivering healthcare innovations to all citizens and healthcare providers in New England and leading rural health development in Maine and throughout all New England.”
