Two of Michigan’s largest health care systems are exploring a future together, officials announced Thursday morning.
Beaumont Health, based in Metro Detroit, and Spectrum Health, based in Grand Rapids, announced Thursday that they have signed a letter of intent to explore merging the organizations together in an effort to provide more “accessible, affordable and equitable health care and coverage” for all Michiganders,
“Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health are leaders in our respective markets, and by bringing together our organizations to create a new system, we have the opportunity to deliver greater value in high-quality and affordable health care to our communities,” Spectrum Health president and CEO Tina Freese Decker said. “Together, we can provide a more personalized experience that prioritizes individuals’ health while also attracting and retaining great talent to our vibrant communities.”
The new organization, which will temporarily be named BHSH, would be the largest health care system in the state of Michigan.
Together, officials say BHSH would operate out of dual headquarters in the cities of Grand Rapids and Southfield, overseeing 22 hospitals, 305 outpatient locations and tens of thousands of employees.
Officials said Thursday that the goals of the new health system are to: improve health and health equity; enhance consumer experience; improve health care quality, value and outcomes; make health care more affordable; and listen to input from physicians and other staff.
You can read more about BHSH’s goals in their open “letter to the community” right here.
“As health care continues to evolve, there are a number of factors that proactive health systems must consider as they plan for the future,” said Julie Fream, board chair for Beaumont Health. “Beaumont Health has found a great Michigan partner in Spectrum Health, and together, we are uniquely positioned for success. As a new organization, we will provide Michiganders an enhanced, high-quality health care and coverage network built for them.”
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Officials announced that Freese Decker would lead the new system, which will be governed by a total of 16 board members from across the state that will be appointed equally by both Beaumont and Spectrum. Fream would reportedly take position as the first board chair for the new system.
Beaumont Health president and CEO John Fox will reportedly leave the organization following the merge. Officials say they will select a new president to represent Beaumont within BHSH to replace Fox.
No immediate changes are expected to be made to the names or branding of existing medical centers, pending approval of the merger -- which officials hope will take place by the fall.
“As Oakland County’s largest employer, Beaumont Health is vital to the health and well-being of residents throughout Southeast Michigan. Their system of hospitals provided the essential care needed during the COVID-19 crisis and the dedication and compassion shown by the doctors, nurses, and entire workforce there was critical.
“The long-term financial health of Beaumont is crucial, not only to the people who seek health care at the hospitals, but for more than 18,000 employees of the health system. I appreciate that concerns about a previously proposed Beaumont alliance were considered and I look forward to hearing more details about the new partnership.”
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter
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