UCSD-SHARP: Merger Plans Called Off

      The University of California-San Diego Medical Center discontinued its eight-month-long merger discussions with Sharp HealthCare earlier this month and now plans to discuss potential affiliation agreements with Scripps Health, the remaining player in the city's "Big Three." Outsiders expressed disappointment over the failed talks, as the merger would have resulted in much-needed service and facility consolidation, including the closure of one hospital, likely UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest. But UCSD contends that the merger did not adequately address its "needs" as "the ultimate safety net" for the 25% of city residents who are uninsured. UCSD administrators are hopeful that an affiliation arrangement with Scripps could achieve the dual goal of rescuing the ailing UCSD Medical Center and consolidating the hospital's functions with Mercy Hospital (Morgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3/11)