Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton has become the seventh hospital affiliated with the Tacoma-based Franciscan Health System.

The affiliation, which was announced in October 2012 and became official in August after reviews by state and federal regulators, expands health services in the South Sound area and on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas, officials said.

Franciscan also includes St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, St. Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw, St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, Highline Medical Center in Burien, and primary-care and specialty-care clinics.

Franciscan has been ranked among the Top 100 Integrated Health Networks in the nation annually since 2004.

Officials said Harrison will continue to operate as a secular (non-religious), non-profit community medical center.