DOVER, N.H. — State and federal authorities are poised to review a proposal to have the Massachusetts General Hospital family acquire Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover.

Foster’s Daily Democrat reports the groups announced Thursday they’ve signed and authorized a letter of intent to start the acquisition process.

Wentworth-Douglass would retain its name under the plan and remain an independently licensed, not-for-profit, charitable health care organization. It would also maintain its own board of trustees, medical staff and fundraising activities.

The Dover hospital’s CEO Gregory Walker says he expects clinical services to expand and the level of care to improve. The hospitals expect the acquisition to take effect by the end of 2016 or shortly thereafter.

Two community forums are scheduled for next month.


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