The future of MedWest — and the look of healthcare in the region — is at a crossroads as board members consider various options in light of physicians discontent in the MedWest-Harris.

One thing that is clear, however, is that stand-alone hospitals are quickly partnering up with other systems to prepare for the changing medical environment fueled by government reform and an aging society.

“Almost everybody has decided the best way is to join a bigger organization,” said John Young, the western regional vice president for Carolinas Healthcare System, the management entity for MedWest. “Even big places are deciding that. The question is: What’s the best system to be a part of?”

When MedWest was formed with Haywood Regional Medical Center and the WestCare hospitals/medical system in Jackson ...