SUN CHRONICLE STAFF

Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and the Brigham and Women's Hospital of Boston announced Tuesday that they are creating a clinical affiliation.

"We believe there are numerous opportunities for Memorial Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital to work together to offer patients outstanding quality care close to home," said Francis R Dietz, President and CEO of Memorial Hospital in an e-mail on behalf of the hospital.

"This affiliation will help enhance and expand the care options for patients in our area," he said.

Area collaboration possible The affiliation will initially focus on cardiology and emergency medicine services and include discussions about future collaboration at sites off of Memorial Hospital's main campus in Pawtucket, such as the one in Plainville.

As part of the new alliance, Brigham and Women cardiac experts will consult with Memorial Hospital on management of patient cases, participate in clinical programs where appropriate, and assist with further development of Memorial's Cardiac Catheterization Lab to support an assortment of procedures and studies.

The affiliation also provides for a smooth patient transition to Brigham and Women's in Boston for cardiac care if needed, according to the statement.

In the area of emergency medicine services, the Boston hospital is assisting the Rhode Island hospital with recruitment of a new chief of emergency medicine at Memorial, and together, the two hospitals will develop plans to improve the efficiency of Memorial's Emergency Medicine Department.