UnityPoint Health Hospitals based in central Illinois, wards exploring the transition to Carle Health

PEORIA (25 NEWS) – Carle Health could expand into central Illinois as UnityPoint and area UnityPoint hospitals and clinics explore a transition to Urbana-based Carle Health.

A joint press release says two non-binding letters of intent have been signed.

• First, UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois will explore the integration of its Methodist, Proctor and Beijing hospitals and clinics, Methodist College and other health services into the Carle organization.
• Second, UnityPoint Health and Carle Health will assess opportunities for collaboration and system-to-system efficiency.

“Our organizations share a deep commitment to improving the health of the people and communities we serve,” said Keith Knepp, MD, regional president and CEO, UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois. “By combining our strengths in health care delivery, health insurance, research and medical education, we are uniquely positioned to improve health in our communities and reduce the overall cost of care. We look forward to working together to share our expertise, effectively advocate for the interests of those we collectively serve, and help develop and maintain our health workforce in the region.

UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois and Carle Health share similar values, according to a statement, as well as the use of advanced electronic health records for patients and the emphasis on medical education, which will help ensure a transition transparent care for patients.

“We believe that the consolidation of services will result in even better health for our patients and our communities,” said James C. Leonard, MD, president and CEO of Carle Health. “Care is so much more comprehensive when the patient’s care team includes clinical care, social support, and insurance coverage. Getting together in Peoria and the surrounding area is an important opportunity to serve patients. “

In addition to the transition of UnityPoint – Central Illinois entities to Carle Health, UnityPoint Health and Carle Health are exploring opportunities to work together to improve efficiency, optimize performance and reduce costs for healthcare systems.

“We are excited about the possibilities ahead as these potential collaborations represent a victory for the three organizations and the communities we serve,” said Clay Holderman, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health. “We look forward to exploring opportunities to better support clinicians, improve access to care and reduce costs in a way that builds on our long tradition of innovative partnerships. “

Through the proposal, patients and local communities would see lasting benefits, including:

• Health care delivery: Expanded access to high-quality and cost-effective health services
• Health care coverage: More options for care and value-based contracts for local employers purchasing health care
• Workforce Development: An Even Stronger Healthcare Workforce and Wider Pipeline of New Talent Through Colleges and Residency Programs
• Operational efficiency: Optimization of services to offer quality care and better support for clinicians

During this period, organizations will assess the details of potential integration and partnership exploration and meet appropriate regulatory requirements as we work towards finalizing final agreements. If organizations get all approvals, a closing date is expected around mid-end 2022.

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