Marshfield Clinic plans to merge with Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the U.S., headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Marshfield Clinic Health System, a physician-led integrated health system serving rural Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, have announced a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding.
That understanding means to combine their complementary assets and capabilities, and create an integrated health system, dedicated to advancing world-class care in the rural Midwest.
“We are excited to combine our common purpose, to lead the way for the future, drive innovation and solve the most pressing challenges facing rural healthcare,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “We are who we are today because of combinations with care delivery organizations in rural communities across America’s heartland.
The partnership will bring together two strong physician- driven organizations, each with a reputation for excellence in quality, safety and patient experience. Together, the combined organization will advance national leadership in physician-led integrated care; lead the way in research, with an emphasis on underrepresented populations; foster a healthy operating performance; and put patients, people and communities at the forefront.
The combined nonprofit system will enable vital investment in the care of patients and communities across the rural Midwest, to meet healthcare needs today and into the future. Over the last decade, Sanford Health has invested more than $1.5 billion in communities across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, including expanded access to specialty care and state-of-the-art facilities.
“The partnership marks a new chapter in our organization,” Marshfield Clinic Health System Board Chair George Brown, “and we look forward to serving our patients as the nationwide leader in rural healthcare.”
Upon finalization of the combination, the name of the parent company will be Sanford Health. Marshfield Clinic Health System will be a region within Sanford Health and maintain regional leadership, with its flagship medical campus in Marshfield, Wisconsin, a regional board of directors, a regional physician executive council and regional brand presence.
The combination is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to regulatory processes and closing conditions. There are no immediate changes for employees or those each system serves.
