Exeter Hospital, Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Enter Strategic Affiliation to Expand and Strengthen Orthopedic Services

New Partnership Strengthens Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Care in the Seacoast

Exeter, NH — Exeter Hospital and Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (AOSM) have signed an affiliation agreement, formalizing a strategic affiliation that will increase access to orthopedic care for patients in the region.

The affiliation will expand ambulatory access in Exeter and Plaistow, while also providing dedicated 24/7 orthopedic trauma coverage for Exeter Hospital’s Emergency Department. It will also provide for the development of a comprehensive spine program that offers both outpatient and surgical services.

“By joining forces with Atlantic Orthopaedics, we will create the premier orthopedic and musculoskeletal program in the region, bringing exceptional orthopedic expertise, advanced surgical care and sports medicine, to a broader geographic area," said Debra Cresta, president of Exeter Hospital. "Our partnership further strengthens Core Physicians by giving our patients access to a highly coordinated network of orthopedic and musculoskeletal services, with more options for care. This is an investment in building the region’s leading destination for orthopedic and musculoskeletal care, from prevention and diagnosis through treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and lifelong movement.”

Under the agreement, AOSM will assume responsibility for delivery of comprehensive orthopedic services at Exeter Hospital and its Plaistow location, with a focus on expanding access, enhancing subspecialty expertise, and improving the overall patient experience.

“This affiliation represents an exciting opportunity to expand access to highly specialized orthopedic care and expertise throughout the Seacoast,” said Matt Lane, chief executive officer of Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. “We look forward to building on our strong clinical foundation, enhancing subspecialty services and working closely with Exeter Hospital to deliver outstanding care to the communities we serve.”

Exeter Hospital and AOSM are deeply committed to developing a comprehensive transition plan designed to ensure continuity of care, clear communication, and a seamless experience for every patient. Both entities will continue to share updates with patients in the months ahead. The affiliation will be effective January 1, 2027.

About Exeter Hospital

For more than 125 years, Exeter Hospital has been integral to the health and wellness of communities in the Seacoast Region. The hospital opened in 1897 as a small cottage hospital on Pine Street in Exeter with accommodations for 10 patients. Since then, Exeter Hospital has grown into a 100-bed community-based acute care hospital that also provides extensive outpatient services.

Exeter Hospital is part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, a healthcare system that brings together academic medical centers and teaching hospitals, community and specialty hospitals, more than 4,700 physicians and 39,000 employees in a shared mission to expand access to great care and advance the science and practice of medicine through groundbreaking research and education.