NORFOLK (AP) -- Sentara Healthcare and Potomac Hospital plan to merge and establish a community health foundation.

The nonprofits announced Friday that they've signed a letter of intent to merge.

Officials said the foundation will help cover unmet health care needs in the Prince William County area.

“Our two systems share a not-for-profit mission and a commitment to clinical excellence,” David L. Bernd, CEO of Sentara Healthcare, said in a press release.  “We should fit together very well.  We look forward to working with Potomac’s physicians, hospital staff, volunteers and community.”

Potomac President and CEO William M. Moss says the merger will safeguard the 183-bed Woodbridge hospital's ability to serve the area.

The Potomac Hospital Foundation Board of Directors began looking at 29 potential partners in February before narrowing the choice to Sentara.

Officials say they’ll continue work to finalize the partnership and to meet regulatory requirements outlined by the Federal Trade Commission and the Virginia Attorney General.

Norfolk-based Sentara operates more than 100 health care facilities, including seven hospitals, seven nursing centers and three assisted living centers.

Staffing there will remain the same, Sentara spokesman Dale Gauding told WVEC.com.

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