NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Two Louisiana hospital systems are proposing a merger.

A nonbinding agreement made public Friday would merge Lafayette General Hospital’s seven hospitals and 38 clinics and the Ochsner (OX-ner) Health System.

The Lafayette system is currently an Ochsner affiliate. The merger would create the Gulf South’s largest and most comprehensive health provider, according to a news release. Ochsner says it owns, manages or is affiliated with 40 hospitals and 115.

“Patients will continue to have access to the same services and physicians they know today,” Dr. John Schutte, a member of the Lafayette General Health Board of Trustees and an orthopedic surgeon, said. “Our aim is to enhance and expand services for Southwest Louisiana, so that people in Acadiana do not have to leave the area for services. We will work to expand sub-specialty care, especially in pediatrics and oncology,”

Both systems will now check each other out more thoroughly and seek regulatory approval. Officials expect final approvals in the spring.

As part of the agreement, Lafayette General will be the health system’s regional hub for southwest Louisiana and Ochsner will invest $365 million in capital and resources in Acadiana over the next 10 years.

In addition, the 800 Lafayette General employees getting minimum pay will see their hourly rate go up $2 to $12.

Commitments include investing more than $50 million in expanding key services including pediatrics, women’s health and cancer services, and bringing in new behavioral health services.

Officials said the partnership will mean more financial stability for University Hospital & Clinics, so it can continue serving vulnerable members of the community. It also will create a 10-year, $10 million Community Support Fund overseen by the Lafayette General Board to advance health and wellness in Acadiana.

The system will also add about 48 residency positions at Lafayette General Medical Center, adding to 75 there and at University Hospital and Clinics, officials said.

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