Tufts Medicine and New England Neurological Associates (NENA) announced today that the organizations have entered into a merger to strengthen neuroscience services and improve access to care for patients across the region.
The announcement follows an agreement for Tufts Medicine to acquire NENA's assets, permitting 75 NENA providers and staff to be employed by Tufts Medicine. The transaction was completed on June 1, 2024, following approval by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. NENA's physicians, care team members and practice staff will continue providing outstanding patient care in their current locations as members of the Lowell General Hospital team and the Tufts Medicine enterprise. Patients will now enjoy enhanced access to a broader network of specialists, and education and research opportunities, as Tufts Medicine expands its neuroscience care in the community.
"This partnership will help us maintain and expand the top notch, personalized, community-based neuroscience care on which our patients have relied for the better part of the past century," said Robert A. Miller, MD, a practicing Neurosurgeon and Chair of the NENA Board. "We already share a common vision and culture with Tufts Medicine Lowell General Hospital, placing great value in meaningful engagement with our community colleagues, and prioritizing seamless access to outstanding patient care. We envision a bright future, where we drive world-class healthcare together, creating solutions that brings care closer to our patients in the Merrimack Valley, Southern NH region and beyond."
Bringing NENA into Tufts Medicine creates a number of opportunities for the health system to more effectively cater to the needs of Merrimack Valley patients. Future plans include building a neuro-immunology program to keep care close to home for patients with multiple sclerosis, the development of a Memory Center to support the innovative treatment of Alzheimer's disease, leveraging NENA's psychiatric providers to increase community-based behavioral health capabilities, and expanding academic opportunities in the community setting.
"We have enjoyed a long and successful partnership with NENA for many decades," said Amy Hoey, RN, President of Tufts Medicine Lowell General Hospital. "Bringing NENA into Tufts Medicine will allow us to use the power of our system to amplify existing neuroscience services, while introducing new services that will add value and improved access to the communities we serve."
About NENA
The largest multispecialty neuroscience group practice in the Merrimack Valley, New England Neurological Associates, P.C. (NENA), has proudly delivered the highest quality health care to patients and families in the area for more than 50 years. With 27 providers and practices in Chelmsford, Lawrence, Newburyport and Westford, MA, and in Nashua, NH, NENA cares for 64,000 patient visits annually, and strives to be the place where patients want to go, doctors want to practice, and employees want to work. www.neneuro.com
