Attempts to merge these health systems date back years, but up until now, the deal never went through. : After years of back and forth negotiations, the Providence Rhode Island-based health systems Lifespan and Care New England have signed a definitive agreement to merge and create an integrated academic health system with Brown University. The soon-to-be-formed health system will combine Lifespan's Rhode Island, Miriam, Hasbro, Newport and Bradley hospitals and Care New England's Women & Infants, Kent and Butler hospitals with Brown's Warren Alpert Medical School.