Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital CEO Joel Wernick told reporters Tuesday that his goal is to have Phoebe listed as an in-network provider for the majority of insurance carriers, pledging to have news on that part of the Phoebe/Palmyra acquisition soon.

Speaking after a presentation on the hospital's purchase of its cross-town rival to city commissioners Tuesday, Wernick admitted that the acquisition had proved to be more of an undertaking than initially thought, hence the delay in closing the deal, but said Phoebe is still formulating plans for how best to use its newly-acquired property.

Up for consideration is a possible conversion to a women's and children's facility with a non-ambulance emergency room for walk-ins, or a possible expansion of what Wernick said was Phoebe's crowded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Intensive Care Units.

Read more: Albany Herald