Proposed Merger to Serve Nearly 1,000 Patients a Day and Strengthen Exceptional Support Services Including Hospice, Home Health, Palliative Care, and Pediatric Care
LARKSPUR and SAN MATEO, Calif., September [21], 2023 — By the Bay Health (BTBH), a not-for-profit, and first hospice organization in California, and Mission Hospice & Home Care (Mission), San Mateo County’s first not-for-profit hospice, today announced they have signed a Letter of Intent to merge. Together, the two organizations will increase access to and strengthen high-quality not-for-profit services including hospice, home health, palliative care, transitional care, pediatric care for children with chronic and serious illness, and Mission House – the only residential hospice house on the Peninsula.
The new organization – combining two of the longest-standing not-for-profit hospices in California – would be uniquely positioned to serve more patients and families throughout the Bay Area and beyond with its unified mission-driven approach, and legacies of providing compassionate care to the community for nearly 50 years. Together, it is anticipated that the new organization would serve nearly 1,000 patients per day, supported by more than 400 volunteers and 500 multidisciplinary staff, including physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual support and bereavement counselors, home health aides, and therapists.
The combined organizations will continue to partner with healthcare systems and community services throughout the Bay Area to provide a continuum of care for seriously ill patients and their families. BTBH is an affiliate of UCSF Health, recognized worldwide for its innovative patient care, reflecting the latest medical knowledge, advanced technologies, and pioneering research. This affiliation would remain in place after its merger with Mission, expanding a comprehensive Bay Area network that addresses the multifaceted health needs of patients and families.
“At BTBH, the work we do every day for our patients and their families sets the standard for compassionate care and support in hospice, home health, and palliative care services,” said BTBH CEO Skelly Wingard, RN, MSN. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Mission, an organization that shares our values, mission, and commitment to quality home-based care.”
“Mission Hospice has an incredible reputation for providing quality and compassionate care for nearly 45 years. Yet, the changing landscape in healthcare puts mission-driven, not-for-profit hospices in California at risk,” said Mission Hospice CEO Dolores Miller, RN, MN. “BTBH shares our legacy in the community, and our commitment to prioritizing patient and family care. We look forward to serving even more people across the Bay Area through our joint organization.”
About By the Bay Health
For over 48 years By the Bay Health, a not-for-profit affiliate of UCSF Health has been a progressive and innovative leader in hospice, skilled home health care, palliative care, grief support, and pediatric care in the counties of Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Sonoma, Alameda, and the cities of American Canyon, Napa, and Vallejo. For more information about our service call (415) 927.2273 or visit www.bythebayhealth.org
About Mission Hospice & Home Care
Mission Hospice & Home Care serves patients and families in the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay with personalized, compassionate end-of-life care and education. Founded in 1979, the local, independent nonprofit has supported thousands of patients and their families through illness and bereavement. Donations from the community support their exceptional care and educational programs, and help them serve people regardless of their medical coverage or ability to pay. More information is available at www.missionhospice.org
Contact Details:
By the Bay Health
Edelman Smithfield for By the Bay Health
btbh@edelman.com
Mission Hospice & Home Care
Frances Freyberg English
ffreyberg@missionhospice.org