September 13, 2012 (HYANNIS) _ Cape Cod Healthcare is entering a formal clinical affiliation with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and its physician organization.

Both have been working collaboratively since 2001.

Cape Cod Healthcare CEO Michael Lauf says the formal partnership will enhance clinical care programs, expand clinical trial opportunities and keep specialty care local.

The partnership is not a merger and there will be no transfer of financial assets.

The areas of cardiac surgery and radiology services will see an expansion of existing clinical arrangements.

Both health care systems say they formalized their relationship in light of the changing landscape in healthcare that has resulted in community hospitals looking for partners.

Brigham and Women officials say the new regional approach will get patients the proper level of care in the most appropriate setting.