SIOUX FALLS, SD and MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU) — Regional health giants Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic are one step closer to integrating after leaders signed an affiliation agreement.
Both sides announced the move in a press release on Wednesday, the first update they’ve provided on the potential merger since it was announced in July.
“In Sanford Health we found a partner that closely aligns with our culture, mission, and values, and we look forward to continuing on this journey as the premier rural health system in the United States,” said Marshfield Clinic Interim CEO Brian Hoerneman, M.D., via press release. “Our shared commitment to excellence, quality and safety, and delivering an exceptional patient experience for the rural communities we serve makes this partnership a win for our patients and our dedicated teams that carry out our mission daily.”
Officials from Sanford noted that the merger would strengthen both hospitals by providing wider access to care and investments in “new initiatives to serve the needs of patients throughout the rural Midwest, now and in the years ahead.”
RELATED: Marshfield Clinic, Sanford Health Announce Merger Plans
Wednesday’s news keeps the integration of the two hospital systems on track to close by December 31st, pending regulatory approval and other closing conditions. Should the merger hold up, the combined system will bring together nearly 56,000 employees, 56 hospitals, 4,300 providers, two fully integrated health plans, specialty pharmacies, and nationally recognized research institutions. Sanford Health would serve as the parent company and the headquarters would remain in Sioux Falls. Marshfield Clinic Health System would be a region within the Sanford brand with regional leadership based in Marshfield. Marshfield Clinic would have three seats on the Sanford board of directors.
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