Roger Hannigan Gilson is reporting in the Register-Star the proposed affiliation between Columbia Memorial Hospital and Albany Medical Center received preliminary state approval on Thursday. Speaking publicly about the plan for the first time, hospital President and CEO Jay P. Cahalan called the agreement "truly unique." He said, “It’s not a merger or consolidation. It’s not a sale, and it’s not an acquisition or a takeover. It’s most accurately described as an affiliation of our respective organizations that allows us to take advantage of one another’s strengths.” Under the plan, Columbia Memorial would maintain its own corporate identity, management structure, medical staff and employees, and keep its own board of trustees and foundation. The affiliation would integrate the clinical and administrative functions of both hospitals. Columbia Memorial maintains the change would make the delivery of health services more efficient and stable in the region, while also saving costs. According to the Times Union, the Hudson-based hospital lost $2.2 million in 2013, more than $500,000 in 2014 and nearly $400,000 in the first half of 2015. The final say rests with the state Public Health and Health Planning Council, which will consider the proposal at its Oct. 8 meeting. Read the full story in the Register-Star.