Littleton Regional Healthcare Pursues Merger with Dartmouth Health

Littleton Regional Healthcare (LRH) has initiated a merger with Dartmouth Health (DH), a significant move for the critical access hospital located in Littleton, New Hampshire. The two organizations signed a letter of intent on Friday, marking a pivotal step toward integrating LRH into the larger health system operated by DH.

As a 25-bed facility, LRH serves approximately 60,000 patients annually and employs over 500 staff members. This merger represents one of DH’s major expansions into New Hampshire’s North Country, a region that has been underserved in terms of healthcare infrastructure.

Dartmouth Health is a prominent health system comprising over 13,000 employees and includes eight hospitals and medical centers across New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, as well as more than 30 clinics. Currently, DH provides various clinical services at LRH, including cardiology, dermatology, oncology, and sleep medicine, establishing a foundation for deeper collaboration.

The leadership at Littleton Regional Healthcare began exploring options to affiliate with a larger health network in 2023. The strategic decision comes as hospitals across the United States seek to enhance care delivery through partnerships and mergers. The timeline for finalizing the merger remains uncertain, but previous affiliations have taken time to complete. For instance, DH’s recent partnership with Valley Regional Hospital began with a letter of intent in 2022 and was finalized in 2024.

Next steps for the proposed merger involve a thorough review by the New Hampshire Office of the Attorney General. This regulatory assessment is crucial for ensuring compliance and safeguarding patient interests.

Both LRH and DH have expressed optimism about the potential benefits of this merger. The collaboration aims to strengthen healthcare services in the region, ultimately enhancing access to quality care for residents in and around Littleton. As healthcare systems continue to adapt and evolve, this merger may play a vital role in addressing the growing healthcare needs of the community.