Two hospitals move toward what they say is a healthy merger.

Saint Joseph's Hospital in Elmira will become part of Guthrie Healthcare System based in Sayre.

The hospitals believe they'll offer better care together.

Saint Joseph's Hospital offers health services 24 hours a day.

That will continue with the planned merger with Guthrie Healthcare Systems.

"Guthrie has a wealth of services, and best practices that we think he may be able to learn something from, thereby helping to deliver good quality care," said Sister Marie Castagnaro, President of Saint Joseph's Hospital.

Guthrie operates Robert Packer Hospital here in Sayre, and two other hospitals in the region.

After 5 years of negotiations, the plan bring Saint Joseph's in the system is finally moving forward.

"We have a number of physicians practicing here. We have a number of out-patient services here. But we are really missing that important in-patient hospital link. Saint Joseph's will give us that," said Mark Stensager, President of Guthrie Healthcare Systems.

The hospitals say it will give patients higher quality healthcare.

Guthrie will pump 54 million dollars into Saint Joseph's.

The most noticeable change will be a transition into a computerized records system.

"So that there is that information flow going back and forth to the key clinical people who need to deliver key quality patient care," said Sister Marie Castagnaro.

The Emergency Room at Saint Joseph's could also see upgrades to outdated equipment.

"When there is a need we will fill a need. And I can anticipate overtime that we may look at some additional services here as well," said Mark Stensager.

Additional services that would require a need for additional employees.

Both hospitals have signed a letter of intent to merge.

It was sent to the New York State Department of Health.

The hospitals estimate it will take about one year to complete the the merger.