Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in talks with Montefiore

An official from Burke Rehabilitation Hospital said on Wednesday that the White Plains-based rehab center has been in discussions with Montefiore Health System about a possible partnership.

Burke Rehabilitation Hospital Director of Marketing Richard Sgaglio said that the center has been in discussions dating back “several years” with not only Montefiore but also NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and North Shore-LIJ Health System regarding a potential partnership. Sgaglio said Burke is fiscally stable and added that any potential move would be a “strategic alliance,” not a sale. He said any potential deal is not imminent.

“As an independent facility, partnering with a large health care system would be advantageous,” Sgaglio said, citing the potential for a “larger pipeline of patients.” “We would be able to offer more services. It would make sense.”

Montefiore Health System, based in the Bronx, consists of eight hospitals and more than 150 locations across Westchester, the Bronx and northern Manhattan.

On Wednesday, Montefiore President and CEO Steven M. Safyer did not say whether discussions had been held with Burke but commended the hospital for its reputation and experience working hand-in-hand with Montefiore’s former patients.

“We have always worked with Burke,” Safyer said. “White Plains Hospital is part of our health system and frequently discharges patients there. It’s an excellent place. We work closely with them.”

Founded in 1915, the 150-bed Burke Rehabilitation Hospital is the only center in Westchester strictly for rehabilitation medicine.