NorthShore Health System Plans To Merge With Edward-Elmhurst

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston-based NorthShore University HealthSystem announced plans to merge with Edward-Elmhurst Health later this year that will create a community-based network of nine medical facilities that will serve the northern and western suburbs of Chicago.

The partnership, which is expected to be finalized later this year, was announced Wednesday. Both groups announced that they will commit $100 million to their respective communities in investment funds. The funds, the two medical groups said, will each generate millions of dollars in annual interest that will be used to make a direct impact on local communities.

The funds will be used to support partnerships with organizations working to enhance community health equity and well-being and advance local economic growth. No layoffs are expected to take place as part of the merge.

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

When completed, the merger will include a total of more than 25,000 medical professionals and will serve an area that includes 4.2 million residents. The two organizations announced they are set to grow in several highly ranked services such as orthopedics, cardiology, obstetrics and behavioral health, according to the release.

Edward-Elmhurst Health is a 736-bed system that includes three hospitals — Edward Hospital in Naperville, Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health — and has more than 60 outpatient locations across a service area of 1.7 million residents in Chicago’s west and southwest suburbs.

NorthShore includes six hospital —Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park, Skokie, Swedish and Northwest Community.

The two groups intend to maintain existing physician and medical groups, ensuring physicians remain the key clinical decision-makers and are supported by leading edge equipment, research and innovation opportunities and magnet-level nursing care.

“NorthShore’s approach is aligned with Edward-Elmhurst in so many ways,” Mary Lou Mastro, president and CEO of Edward-Elmhurst Health said 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. We look forward to working with our staff and clinical partners in transforming the future of healthcare through their expertise, compassion and commitment.”