UF Health and Flagler Health+ have reached a definitive agreement to begin merging services later this year.

The two health systems announced in February that they were pursuing a plan to make Flagler Health+ part of UF Health, the University of Florida’s academic health center.

Flagler Health+ said it explored joining another health system to enhance local health care and expand access to care in the community.

“We envision a future where the services provided by Flagler Health+ meet all our community members’ needs,” Todd Neville, chairman of the Flagler Health+ board of trustees, said in a news release at the time.

The organizations expect to formally close the deal this summer, according to an announcement this week.

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UF President Ben Sasse noted that Flagler and St. Johns counties are among the 10 fastest-growing counties in the state.

“UF Health is uniquely positioned to bring much-needed top-flight service to Northeast Florida and to ensure that all of the region’s residents have access to the very best health care available,” he said in a news release.

Dr. David R. Nelson, senior vice president for health affairs at UF and president of UF Health, said the combined system will focus on “world-class outcomes, research opportunities including clinical trials, and training programs for the next generation of care providers.”

Flagler Health+ said it explored a merger with some of the most respected health care organizations in the country before selecting UF Health. The criteria included:

• Enhanced quality and patient satisfaction.
• Support for community-focused service lines like behavioral health and women’s health.
• Enhanced services for underserved populations.
• Stronger recruitment and retention of staff.
• Additional technology and expertise, including electronic health records and new clinical technology and equipment.
• Investments in facilities, infrastructure, technology and growth initiatives.