State approves Provena-Resurrection hospitals merger

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Updated: January 23, 2012 4:07AM

AURORA — The state health facilities planning agency has approved the merger of the Provena Health system and Resurrection Health Care.

The merger makes the new health care organization the largest Catholic health care system in Illinois.

The deal, approved Wednesday by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, is expected to close Nov. 1.

The merger involves Provena Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin, Provena Mercy Medical Center in Auroraand other hospitals throughout northern and central Illinois.

Sandra Bruce, president and chief executive officer of the new organization, said she is grateful for the state board’s unanimous approval.

“We enthusiastically now turn our full attention to creating a strong Catholic health ministry ... to deliver patient, resident and family-centered care that is high in quality and value,” she said.

The merger has been in the works since the two health care systems signed a letter of intent in February, Lisa Lagger, Provena Health spokesman said.

The new organization will be a family of 12 hospitals, 28 long-term care and senior residential facilities, outpatient services, clinics, home health and other services.

The Catholic nonprofit health care network has locations in Chicago, East-Central Illinois and the suburbs.

The new organization has not been named. It is sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, Sisters of the Holy Family, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and Sisters of the Resurrection.

“It’s a work in process,” Lagger said. “Our sisters are leading that process.”

Lagger said the merger will improve access to health care for millions of Illinois residents.

“One of the great advantages in coming together is our ability to share best practices across a continuum,” Lagger said. “It allows us to ensure a consistent level of quality in health care.”