Better Together. AGH to join TidalHealth

The respective boards of Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) and TidalHealth announced Dec. 12 that they signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to combine organizations. Together, both organizations are committed to providing the best possible care for the region.
Earlier in 2024, the AGH Board of Trustees announced the launch of a strategic partnership exploration process to consider all options to enhance healthcare in the region. After thoughtful consideration, the board chose to affiliate with TidalHealth as both organizations are well aligned in their missions and share a deep commitment to serving the healthcare needs of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware.
“The board was delighted to find a potential partner that shares our exciting vision of serving our local community,” said Doug Cook, chair of the AGH Board of Trustees. “Together, we can make advancements in recruiting and retaining top physicians, as well as invest in the infrastructure and technology that will improve our care delivery. This is an important step forward for our community.”
“TidalHealth recognizes AGH’s longstanding commitment and service to the community and looks forward to the opportunity to combine our shared objectives and missions and develop a strategic relationship that will further enhance the services we provide to the citizens of Delmarva,” said Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, president/CEO of TidalHealth, Inc. “TidalHealth has great respect for AGH’s historic contribution to the healthcare needs of its community, and we are honored to have been chosen. We are confident that we can further enhance their strength in the region with AGH becoming part of the robust health system that has been providing high-quality care since 1897. Our Board of Directors, physicians, and our entire healthcare team are looking forward to welcoming Atlantic General to the TidalHealth family.”
The proposed partnership between TidalHealth and Atlantic General Hospital will:
- Provide access to an integrated electronic medical record through Epic
- Improve the coordination of services and access to care for patients
- Provide capital funding to expand services
- Strengthen the hospital’s ability to retain and attract a high-quality workforce
- The two health systems hope to finalize an agreement this spring, pending further board approvals and regulatory review.
“This partnership is a win for our patients, our associates and the communities we serve,” said Don Owrey, president and CEO of AGH. “By affiliating with TidalHealth, we have the opportunity to combine the strengths of our two organizations to fundamentally improve the availability of high-quality healthcare close to home.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to combine and bring together two strong organizations, each with outstanding reputations for the patient experience and quality of care,” said Memo Diriker, Ph.D., chairperson, TidalHealth Board of Directors, Inc. “This partnership brings an incredible opportunity to unite and enhance care delivery in our region.”
As the two organizations continue to work through the comprehensive due diligence period to determine the details of a final agreement, they commit that the proposed combination will not impact either health system’s daily operations, and nothing changes today for patients or associates.
To learn more, please visit aghforward.org.
TidalHealth among the nation’s BEST in numerous clinical specialties

2024, and leading into 2025, is shaping up to be one of the best ever for the national recognition of TidalHealth and its healthcare team as on par with the BEST providers across the United States. These are just some of the significant awards and achievements of the past few months in clinical excellence and patient safety.
Healthgrades
The Healthgrades 2025 Star Report of hospital achievements shows TidalHealth is rated among the nation’s best health systems in several clinical services.
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s orthopedic surgery program is currently rated third best among all Maryland hospitals. The Salisbury institution is the only hospital ranked by Healthgrades on the Eastern Shore for orthopedic surgery. The orthopedic service line was also awarded the 2025 Healthgrades Spine Surgery Excellence Award, placing it in the top 10 percent in the nation for spine surgery. Both are new awards in 2025. It retains from last year its designation as one of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery (2024-2025). Orthopedics also earned a 5-star rating — Healthgrades' highest rating — for back surgery and outpatient total knee replacement. Those are also new awards for TidalHealth in the 2025 report.
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is also again one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery. This is the 11th consecutive year earning that recognition (2015-2025). The vascular team also maintains the Healthgrades Vascular Surgery Excellence Award for an 11th consecutive year (2015-2025), placing it, this year, among the top 5 percent in the nation for vascular surgery.
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional was also the only hospital in the state to earn a 50 BEST Hospitals for Vascular Surgery designation, for a second consecutive year, and the only Maryland hospital 5-star rated for the Treatment of Abdominal Aorta.
At TidalHealth Nanticoke, the team retained, for a third year, a 5-star ranking for the Treatment of Sepsis (2023-2025) and 5 stars for a second consecutive year for the Treatment of Respiratory Failure (2024-2025).
A total of 11 services at TidalHealth earned a Healthgrades 5-star rating, which indicates it is performing statistically significantly better than its peer services at other U.S. hospitals. Among those, Treatment of Carotid Procedures was 5-star rated for a 15th consecutive year (2011-2025), the Treatment of Hip Fracture for a 10th consecutive year (2016-2025), and the Repair of Abdominal Aorta for a 9th straight year (2017-2025).
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
TidalHealth Nanticoke has received a prestigious 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in its 2024 Hospital Quality Star Ratings.
TidalHealth Nanticoke is the only hospital in Delaware to earn this top rating, highlighting its role as a leader in healthcare excellence within the state. Nationally, TidalHealth Nanticoke is one of only 381 hospitals out of approximately 3,000, representing the top 8% of hospitals across the United States, to receive the highest possible rating from CMS. The 5-star rating reflects excellence across five critical quality measures: mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience, and timely & effective care.
This significant achievement reflects TidalHealth Nanticoke’s excellence in various quality measures, including patient experience, safety of care, and readmission rates. The hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement and patient-centered care has been instrumental in achieving this recognition.
TidalHealth Nanticoke was also the only hospital where surveyed patients placed the performance of the team at or above the Delaware hospital average in all 10 possible patient care and satisfaction categories.
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report named TidalHealth Peninsula Regional the 5th Best Hospital (tie) in Maryland and a 2024-2025 High Performing hospital for nine challenging and elective health conditions, the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.
Additionally, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional was recognized as a BEST Regional Hospital on the Eastern Shore and a BEST Regional Hospital for Equitable Access. The BEST equitable access recognition identifies the Salisbury hospital as achieving excellence in caring for patients in historically underserved communities while maintaining high quality care. It was one of only 98 honored across the United States.
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional was recognized as high performing in the clinical fields of abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, treatment of heart attack, treatment of heart failure, hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, lung cancer surgery and treatment of pneumonia.
TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford, Del., was ranked on average with peer United States hospitals in 13 categories (COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, knee replacement, pneumonia, leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, stroke and kidney failure).
Newsweek
Newsweek and Statista have ranked TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford as the No. 2 hospital in the State of Delaware in its “Best-in-State Hospitals 2025 Report.”
The report highlights 700 leading hospitals across the nation, ranked by state, to help healthcare consumers find the most trusted medical facilities.
This year's rankings include facilities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The rankings were compiled using quality metrics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the AHA Annual Survey of Hospitals Database, a nationwide online survey among medical professionals; results from HCAHPS patient experience surveys; and a voluntary PROMs (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures) implementation survey.
“Being named the second-best hospital in Delaware by Newsweek is a testament to the dedication of our team, including our providers, volunteers and Board leadership, and the trust of our community,” said TidalHealth Nanticoke President Penny Short. “This recognition reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional patient care and maintaining high standards in healthcare excellence.”
Leapfrog
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional was again awarded an “A” from The Leapfrog Group for its Fall 2024 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. The designation recognizes the Salisbury hospital’s efforts in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors and providing safer healthcare for a fourth consecutive ratings period.
It is joined by TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford, Del., which also earned Leapfrog’s “A” safety grade this fall, the highest ranking that can be presented to any hospital for the safety offered to its patients.
This fall, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is one of just 11 of 41 hospitals in Maryland to achieve an “A.” In Delaware, TidalHealth Nanticoke is one of only two hospitals to achieve that distinctive honor.
The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems that hospitals have in place to prevent harm.
“Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade is a significant accomplishment for both TidalHealth hospitals,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It reflects enormous dedication to their patients and families, and the entire Delmarva Peninsula should be proud. I extend my congratulations to TidalHealth, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to put patients first.”
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.
Meet our new providers
TidalHealth welcomes the following providers who have joined our healthcare team since November.
Leah Fetzer, NP
TidalHealth Primary Care
Ocean Pines
Samantha Roman, MD
TidalHealth Neurology
Salisbury
Bhaskar Palekar, MD
TidalHealth Primary Care
Lewes
Mary Elizabeth Gross, NP
TidalHealth Oncology & Hematology
Seaford
Colin Bobersky, PA-C
TidalHealth Urology
Salisbury
Griffith Batstone, MD
TidalHealth Urology
Salisbury
Wissam Mattar, MD
TidalHealth Gastroenterology
Salisbury
Steve Larrimore, NP
Your Doc's In
Salisbury
Robert Kimelheim, DO
TidalHealth Rheumatology
Salisbury
Ramesh Agarwal, MD
TidalHealth Cardiology
Salisbury
Bryce Blanton, MD
TidalHealth Outpatient Behavioral Health
Salisbury
A heartfelt dedication to a legendary surgeon

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Nevins W. Todd, Jr., gathered at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, Md., to honor his legacy by unveiling the Dr. Nevins W. Todd Center for Surgical Excellence. This dedication took place on what would have been Dr. Todd’s 92nd birthday, and the ceremony was held near the Same Day Surgery waiting area of the hospital, a setting symbolizing his lifelong commitment to surgical innovation and patient care.
Dr. Todd was a pivotal figure in the history of TidalHealth. He pioneered open heart surgery in the region, performing the first procedure of its kinds outside of Baltimore in 1974 at the Salisbury hospital. It set the tone for the unprecedented growth experienced by the hospital and health system over the past 50 years.
Dr. Todd's impact extended beyond the operating room; he was also a U.S. Navy veteran, a revered mentor, and a trusted guide for emerging medical professionals in the region.
Not only was he the oldest living surgeon of the institution until his passing, but he also held a unique distinction: he personally knew every surgeon who practiced at the hospital from its early days. His deep connection to the hospital’s legacy was enhanced by family ties, as he was the grandson of Dr. George W. Todd, the founder of TidalHealth, then known as Peninsula General Hospital.
TidalHealth President and CEO Dr. Steve Leonard expressed gratitude for Dr. Todd’s contributions, acknowledging that “his dedication laid the groundwork for TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s evolution into a major healthcare facility for the Delmarva Peninsula. Dr. Todd’s colleagues, patients, and loved ones remember him for his warmth, humor, and compassion — qualities that endeared him to everyone he met.”
The Dr. Nevins W. Todd Center for Surgical Excellence stands as a tribute to his extraordinary life and career, carrying forward his legacy in surgical excellence and compassionate care.
This nurse can help you now … virtually

TidalHealth has launched an innovative pilot program at its Seaford and Salisbury hospitals, introducing virtual nursing as a fresh approach to patient care. This initiative, implemented on two inpatient units — 5 South at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and the Medical Surgical Unit (MSU) at TidalHealth Nanticoke — is part of a broader plan to improve the patient experience while giving bedside nurses more time for direct care.
Angela Brittingham, DNP, MSN, RN, and TidalHealth’s vice president of patient care services, explained the program's purpose: "The goal of virtual nursing is to complement the bedside nurse by having someone who can check on the patient during shift changes, discuss medication history, and assist with admissions and discharge teaching."
Virtual nurses are seasoned registered nurses stationed remotely within the hospital, connecting with patients through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video system. This virtual interaction is designed to be seamless for patients, who can grant permission before the virtual nurse “enters” the room via their TV screen. The camera remains off unless in use, with no recordings or photos ever taken.
The virtual nurse serves as an additional touchpoint, giving patients the chance to ask questions, confirm their care plan, and receive timely updates — all without detracting from the bedside nurse's responsibilities. Virtual nursing operates daily from 9 am to 11 pm, allowing for continuous support during key times.
Early feedback suggests that the program has been well-received, providing patients with valuable assistance and reassurance. If the pilot succeeds, TidalHealth aims to expand virtual nursing to other units, anticipating a transformation in the way patients and nurses interact across the health system, blending compassionate care with cutting-edge technology.
Growing programs to bring Delmarva the next generation of doctors

TidalHealth is thrilled to announce that its Family Medicine Residency program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), marking a major milestone in its mission to enhance healthcare on the Delmarva Peninsula. This significant achievement allows TidalHealth to officially begin training its first cohort of family medicine residents, who will start in July 2025.
These future physicians will gain hands-on experience in a broad range of disciplines, including primary care, family medicine obstetrics, community medicine and rural health. Guided by TidalHealth’s dedicated faculty, residents will immerse themselves in the community, developing the skills needed to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Through this comprehensive training, they’ll become adept at addressing the complex needs of underserved and rural populations, helping to bridge critical healthcare gaps in the region.
Establishing this accredited residency program is part of TidalHealth’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.
"We are proud to be the first accredited family medicine residency program on Maryland’s Eastern Shore," said Program Director Dr. Katherine Goth. "Our team has worked tirelessly to create a rigorous, meaningful learning experience that aligns with our dedication to quality care and community wellness."
TidalHealth has started recruiting four residents for its first class, encouraging interested candidates to apply. This program represents a transformative step for healthcare on the Delmarva Peninsula, promising not only to educate future physicians but also to improve local access to primary care.
Additional accredited fellowships on track to begin in July 2025 include gastroenterology, hematology and medical oncology, and infectious disease, further expanding our ability to train the next generation of physicians.
Additionally, in 2026, we are hopeful to begin residencies in psychiatry, neurology, interventional radiology, diagnostic radiology, and obstetrics and gynecology, as well as expand our fellowships to include healthcare administration/ management/leadership, orthopedic sports medicine, cardiothoracic anesthesiology, interventional cardiology and sleep medicine.
By 2028, our GME program is on track to become the third-largest single-site program in Maryland, with anticipation of more than 200 residents and fellows across 29 programs.
Peninsula Home Care becomes TidalHealth Home Care

TidalHealth Home Care, formerly known as Peninsula Home Care, has officially rebranded to align more closely with TidalHealth, the largest integrated healthcare provider on Delmarva.
Established in 1985, TidalHealth Home Care has served the community with high-quality home care services from its offices in Salisbury, Md., and Laurel, Del. A clinical partner of TidalHealth since 2004, the organization now embraces a new name and brand identity that reflect its commitment to personalized, compassionate care.
"TidalHealth Home Care is dedicated to enhancing lives by delivering care where patients feel most comfortable — their homes," said Steve Leonard, president and CEO of TidalHealth, Inc.
He emphasized that home-based care fosters independence and improves holistic health outcomes by tailoring services to individual needs.
The rebrand signifies a step forward for the organization, bringing a modern look and a closer association with TidalHealth’s comprehensive healthcare system.
Beverly White, vice president of operations, expressed enthusiasm for the rebrand as “a representation of the agency’s growth and dedication to improving patients' quality of life.”
Patients and families will notice refreshed branding and materials in the coming months, but the trusted team, care quality, and commitment to excellence will remain unchanged.
Robyn Coughenour, vice president of clinical operations, assured that “TidalHealth Home Care is committed to expanding services to meet growing community needs, while upholding patient trust and dignity.”
TidalHealth Home Care continues to support seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness, with tailored care plans designed to foster comfort and independence at home.
For more information about TidalHealth Home Care and its services, please call the Maryland office at 410-543-7550 or the Delaware office at 302-629-4914.
A message from the CEO

President/CEO, TidalHealth
As a regionally based health system, TidalHealth is deeply connected to the communities we serve. We are a health system built by and for the people of this region, with a mission to provide exceptional care that strengthens the health and well-being of our neighbors. Our focus is not just on delivering healthcare but on being a trusted partner who is invested in the future of the communities we call home.
TidalHealth sets itself apart by offering some of the most complex and advanced medical services available in our area. From pioneering robotic surgeries to comprehensive cancer treatments and cutting-edge cardiac care, our teams of highly skilled providers bring world-class expertise to your doorstep. This means that when the unexpected happens, or when specialized care is needed, you don’t have to leave the region to access the very best in healthcare.
To further strengthen our commitment to exceptional care, we are proud to highlight the success of our graduate medical education program. This program is already achieving its goal of addressing the critical need for healthcare providers in our region. In fact, four residents from our very first graduating class have chosen to stay on the Shore, continuing to care for patients right here at TidalHealth. We’re excited to build on this success and expand the program, ensuring we cultivate the next generation of healthcare leaders locally.
We also know that healthcare is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why we are continuously enhancing our services to better meet the evolving needs of our patients. Whether it’s through the introduction of new medical technologies or the addition of specialized providers, we are committed to delivering care that is accessible, patient-centered, and designed with your needs in mind.
Our growth reflects our commitment to making high-quality care even more convenient. In Millsboro, for example, a new site is planned to bring essential services closer to those who need them most. We are also exploring partnerships that will strengthen our ability to deliver outstanding care across Delmarva.
Thank you for choosing TidalHealth as your trusted partner in health. Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger future for our region — because your health is at the heart of everything we do.
Robotic bronchoscopy now available at TidalHealth Nanticoke
TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford, Del., has launched a cutting-edge robotic bronchoscopy system, setting a new standard for lung disease diagnosis and treatment on the Delmarva Peninsula. This state-of-the-art technology, available in only 700 centers nationwide, allows for highly precise and minimally invasive sampling of lung tissue, crucial in detecting and diagnosing lung cancer.
With the new system, TidalHealth’s expert team, led by Dr. Kurt Wehberg and Dr. Ammar Alhaddad, can safely reach and biopsy small, hard-to-access areas of the lung, an advancement critical for patients with suspicious nodules.
“This advanced robotic technique offers superior accuracy and safety, reducing complications and shortening recovery time,” says Dr. Alhaddad. The technology, based on the Ion platform, provides a diagnostic yield exceeding 85 percent, enabling earlier detection and intervention.
The system’s real-time imaging and navigation capabilities empower physicians to examine the intricate bronchial pathways, where traditional techniques fall short. With this robotic bronchoscopy, TidalHealth is pioneering a gold standard in pulmonary care for Delaware’s residents. The system operates in both the endoscopy suite and operating room, supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes pulmonologists, nurses, and lung specialists.
TidalHealth Nanticoke remains committed to advancing medical innovation in Delaware.
“This technology elevates our ability to care for our patients with precision and compassion,” says Dr. Wehberg. “We are dedicated to pushing forward the capabilities of thoracic and pulmonary medicine.”
For more information, contact Holly Schreiber, CRNP, TidalHealth’s pulmonary nodule coordinator, at 302-297-2598.
Hales promoted at TidalHealth Foundation

TidalHealth is proud to announce the promotion of Jessica Hales from senior director and president of the TidalHealth Foundation to vice president, chief philanthropy officer, and president of the TidalHealth Foundation. In her new role, Hales will continue to lead the foundation’s philanthropic efforts while expanding its strategic influence across the organization’s health services.
The promotion also features elevation to the health system’s executive team.
“Jessica’s unwavering commitment to our mission, coupled with her deep understanding of the power of philanthropy, has been instrumental in the growth and success of the TidalHealth Foundation,” said Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, president/CEO of TidalHealth. “As vice president and chief philanthropy officer, she will continue to foster meaningful connections between our donors and the transformative healthcare services TidalHealth provides to our community.”
Hales, who has served as president of the TidalHealth Foundation since May 2022, has been a driving force in connecting donors with the hospital’s programs, facilities, and services. Under her leadership, the foundation has secured significant donations that have supported patient care initiatives, medical equipment, and community health outreach efforts.
In her expanded role, Hales will continue to oversee all philanthropic activities for TidalHealth, including major gifts, planned giving, donor stewardship, and fundraising campaigns. A key focus will be ensuring that donors understand the direct impact their contributions make on the health and well-being of individuals and families within the TidalHealth service area.
Save the date: HealthFest
Save the date for the annual HealthFest, hosted by TidalHealth. Join us from 9 am to noon on Saturday, March 15, at the Salisbury Fire Department Headquarters, 325 Cypress St., Salisbury. With more than 30 exhibitors, children’s activities and free screenings, it’s an event you won’t want to miss!

Publication information
Leadership
Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, President/CEO
Memo Diriker, Chairperson, TidalHealth, Inc. Board of Directors
Christopher C. Hall, Vice President, Strategy/CBO
Roger A. Follebout, Jr., Director of Strategic Communications/ Contributing Writer/Editor
Contributing Writers
Laren MacMillan, Director of Brand Marketing
Vanessa Junkin, Brand Marketing Specialist
Jessica Perry, Strategic Communications Coordinator
Katherine Rodgers, Director of Community Health Initiatives
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