Emergency Rooms At Prince George's Hospitals To Be Consolidated

LAUREL, Md. (AP) -- The University of Maryland Medical System is taking over emergency room operations at all Prince George's County hospitals.

The Washington Examiner reports that Dimensions Healthcare System last week turned over emergency room control at Laurel Regional Hospital, and university officials plan to eventually assume responsibility at Prince George's Hospital Center and Bowie Health Center.

The chief operating officer of Dimensions says the consolidation will help control costs and allow for better coordination. The financially struggling company operates hospitals in the county, but the county spends about $15 million a year to help Dimensions.

The move comes nearly one year after a memorandum of understanding signed by Dimensions, university officials and state and county leaders.

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