FOR HUB CITY TIMES

MARSHFIELD — Essentia Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System announced Oct. 12 they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to evaluate how the two organizations might combine to form an integrated regional health system. 

Both organizations have complementary geographies and capabilities, which provides an opportunity to collectively enhance the level of care in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and North Dakota. A combined organization would feature a diverse network of 3,500 providers serving more than two million people in rural and mid-urban communities through more than 150 sites of care, including 25 hospitals.

“I have known and admired the work of Marshfield Clinic for more than 30 years,” says Essentia CEO Dr. David Herman. “I have always appreciated their ability to advance the well-being of the communities they serve. I am truly excited to work together for the benefit of our patients and our colleagues.”

Dr. Herman emphasizes that the two health systems are fortunate to share common values and embrace a mission-driven approach to health care that extends beyond facilities. “Through a new partnership, we can support the care models, services, research and technologies to ensure sustainable and thriving rural health care,” he says.

“This is an exciting opportunity for both our organizations and those we serve,” said Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO Dr. Susan Turney. “These are two of the premier health systems in the country, looking to come together to serve rural communities and beyond. When I look at Essentia, I see an organization with world-class expertise that complements our own. And I see their long, rich history of serving communities with a mission very similar to ours at Marshfield Clinic Health System.”

By coming together, Marshfield Clinic Health System and Essentia Health will increase patient access to primary and specialty care and enhance health outcomes for the communities they serve. An integrated regional health care system that combines the strengths of both organizations will lead to more opportunities to expand needed services and provide high-quality care at an affordable cost with an excellent patient experience.

The Memorandum of Understanding is the first step toward a potential merger. More information will be shared as discussions progress.

Essentia Health is an integrated health system serving patients in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, Essentia Health combines the strengths and talents of about 15,000 employees, including 2,200 physicians and advanced practitioners at 14 hospitals, 77 clinics, six long-term care facilities, six assisted and independent living facilities, six ambulance services and one research institute.

Marshfield Clinic Health System is an integrated health system which serves Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with more than 1,600 providers comprising 170 specialties, health plan, and research and education programs. Primary operations include more than 60 Marshfield Clinic locations, 11 hospitals, Marshfield Children’s Hospital, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Security Health Plan and Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation.