Middlesex Hospital has announced its agreement to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, the first such affiliation in the state.

The agreement gives Middlesex access to Mayo Clinic knowledge and clinical resources that complement its local care. Through the network, Mayo and Middlesex physicians will collaborate to answer complex medical questions that patients pose while allowing them to stay close to home.

“We are thrilled about embarking on this clinical relationship with Mayo Clinic,” said Vincent Capece Jr., president and CEO of Middlesex Hospital, in a statement. “This collaboration will help us in our never-ending efforts to elevate the delivery of care to our communities.”