NorthShore HealthSystem to merge with west-suburban Edward-Elmhurst

NorthShore University HealthSystem and its six area hospitals officially announced Wednesday, Sept. 8, its intention to merge with Edward-Elmhurst Health, a three-hospital group that serves the western suburbs.

According to a release from the organizations the merger should be complete by the end of year.

“NorthShore and Edward-Elmhurst Health share a vision of delivering expanded access to a transformative patient care experience,” said J.P. Gallagher, NorthShore president and CEO, in a statement. “By working together, we’ll connect patients and communities to personalized care, advanced clinical solutions and innovative technologies through improved access, expertise and services.”

Gallagher will reportedly lead the combined organization once it is approved, the release say, and it will be governed by a merged board of directors.

Under the NorthShore umbrella are: Skokie, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) and Swedish (Chicago) hospitals. Edward-Elmhurst operates Edward Hospital in Naperville, Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health in Naperville. Both institutions manage a number of immediate-care and specialty facilities.

The health systems also announced they are committing $100 million each in community investment funds to support their respective communities.

The release does not give details on how or when those funds will be made available.

“These funds will each generate millions of dollars in annual interest that will directly support partnerships with organizations working to enhance health equity and well-being and advance local economic growth,” the release says.

With the merger, the combined organization will staff 25,000 employees, including 6,000 physicians, and serve an area of more than 4.2 million suburban residents.

“NorthShore’s approach is aligned with Edward-Elmhurst in so many ways,” said Mary Lou Mastro, Edward-Elmhurst Health president and CEO, in the release. “We share values and a vision for the future that gives us a strong foundation to create a needed regional alternative offering vibrant, community-connected healthcare.”

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