The University of Florida (UF) Health system announced this week that it has formalized the integration of Flagler Health+ into its network of care.

The merger comes seven months after both health systems entered into a non-binding letter of intent that established Flager Health’s plans to join another network in order to expand care coverage capabilities. The Flagler Health Board of Trustees stated that it selected UF Health because it offers the “strengths of a top 5 public research institution.”

According to Flagler Health, it initiated discussions with several care networks, specifically seeking a business agreement that would provide recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals; technology resources, including electronic health record implementation; and enhanced access to capital to support future investments. Following Flagler Health’s integration, it has been renamed UF Health St. Johns.

“This is a win-win-win situation — for UF Health, for Flagler Health+ and — most importantly — for the patients we all serve throughout St. Johns and Flagler counties and beyond,” UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said. “We are a university and a health system on the rise, and this is a community on the rise, one we are very proud to be a part of. This is a huge step forward.”

UF Health plans to allocate additional resources to the region, including financial investments and human capital with a focus on providing advanced healthcare, research opportunities, clinical trial access, and training programs for medical professionals.

“Throughout our entire selection process and then in discussions about moving forward, all of us at Flagler Health+ understood that UF Health was the right choice so that we could continue our tradition of caring for our community and our commitment to our team,” said Flagler Health+ CEO Carlton DeVooght. “This relationship brings the latest medical breakthroughs to the people we have served for more than a century, while greatly enhancing the services available.”

Last week, The Wall Street Journal named UF as the top public institution in the country in its “2024 Best Colleges in the U.S.” report, and UF Health Shands is the only health system in Florida consistently ranked in the top 3 Florida hospitals 10 years in a row.

UF Health has emerged as one of North Florida’s leading healthcare providers, managing several hospitals, research institutes, and health professions colleges. UF Health Shands Hospital, the system’s flagship facility, is the region’s only level one trauma center and offers a  range of medical services, including specialized centers for cancer, heart, neurology, and orthopedics.

The network contributes more than $4.6 billion to Florida’s overall economy, through direct and indirect expenditures, according to the most recent economic impact study conducted by UF. Total revenue for the academic health center grew from $2.7 billion to $4.7 billion over the past decade, an increase of 76 percent, while clinical revenue accounted for 80 percent of the total.