(Grand Rapids, MI - WHTC News) - An independent medical facility along the Lakeshore could become absorbed by the region’s largest health provider.

Officials of Zeeland Community Hospital and Spectrum Health announced today that they have signed a non-binding letter of intent to explore what they call a “potential integration.” Over the next “several” months, the two entities will “evaluate the relationship” to see if the “combination of resources and services … would help both organizations meet our mutual goal of improving the health of the communities we serve.”

ZCH has been at its new 57-bed facility off of Chicago Drive and Washington Avenue for four years, and has a staff of 200 physicians, 500 employees and 165 volunteers. Spectrum Health, based in Grand Rapids, operates eight hospitals and over 140 service sites throughout West Michigan.

-Gary Stevens, WHTC/WYVN News