OSF HealthCare and Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers have entered into a period of exclusive negotiations for a full merger. Over the next several months, the two healthcare organizations finalizing agreements and seeking the necessary regulatory and canonical approvals. Expected to finalize in early 2020, the merger would allow OSF HealthCare and Little Company of Mary to share services, develop and expand academic partnerships, and create strategies to meet the unique needs of various populations.
“Partnership development, particularly with other mission-driven organizations is a key component of how we are successfully responding to the call to share our Ministry,” said Bob Sehring, CEO, OSF HealthCare. “We have long admired the strong Catholic heritage and commitment to the gift of life demonstrated by Little Company of Mary, and believe that together, we can create better health and deliver value for our communities.”
OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare employs nearly 21,000 Mission Partners (employees) in 126 locations, including 13 hospitals – nine acute care, four critical access – and two colleges of nursing. Its physician network employs more than 1,200 primary care, specialist physicians, and advanced practice providers. Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers is comprised of 12 unique facilities, including a 252-bed acute care hospital with a total of 2,100 employees serving the southwest Chicago area.
“As health care continues to evolve, we have the responsibility to ensure that we are planning for the future – both in terms of technology and innovation as well as preserving Catholic health care” said John Hanlon, MD, MMM, President and CEO, Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers. “OSF HealthCare is a leader in transforming health care, and we believe our firm foundation of faith and collective sense of purpose and mission will allow for sustained quality, coordinated care, and innovation.”
