PORT ANGELES — The Olympic Medical Center board will extend a non-binding letter of intent to the University of Washington Medicine to explore a potential partnership.

Commissioners said UW offers many benefits as a partner, including the ability to tap into its resources, network of providers and expertise. They unanimously approved the move on Wednesday.

“They present the best opportunity for our future down the road,” Commissioner Tom Oblak said.

The board emphasized, however, that this is the beginning of many conversations with UW that will involve nailing down the specifics of any alliance, a process that could take months.

Commissioner Jean Hordyk said she liked the idea of partnering with another public hospital.

“That was important,” she said.

Among UW hospitals are Harborvi

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