The concept and reality of shared hospital services.

This decentralized model of sharing health care services, in which a small community hospital through its own initiative has continued to successfully provide services not only to its peer hospitals but to larger secondary hospitals, is a useful example of the effective co-operation and co-ordination between hospitals. Shared Services has successfully evolved from a concept to its present reality as a provider of quality health care services. These programs supply co-ordinated services which both enhance patient care and benefit all hospital staff members. As the merits of both the Respiratory Therapy and Library Services Programs continue to demonstrate themselves, and as the spirit of cooperation between member hospitals continues to grow, the potential for future development of the Shared Services Program is yet to be realized.