Care New England and Partners HealthCare have approached Lifespan and will begin formal discussions to explore how all three health care providers might work together to strengthen patient care delivery in Rhode Island. The conversations were announced on Feb. 27. By combining the talent, experience and resources of our like-minded, provider-based organizations, the organizations envision creating a national model that fully leverages the integration and coordination of care. In doing so, the systems will be better equipped to meet market challenges and mandates to improve outcomes while reducing health care costs.