Alexian Brothers and Ascension Health Announce Signing of Letter of Intent

ST. LOUIS, April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexian Brothers Health System and Ascension Health announced today the signing of a non-binding Letter of Intent, which makes plans for Alexian Brothers Health System to become part of Ascension Health, the largest Catholic health system in the nation.

"This proposed partnership is a significant step forward in the evolution of the Alexian Brothers Health System," said Mark A. Frey, Executive Vice President of Alexian Brothers Health System.  "This partnership is a sign of Alexian Brothers Health System's commitment to ensure that everyone in the communities we serve will continue to receive the highest level of care for the long term and strengthen Catholic healthcare in the Chicago metropolitan region."

"Alexian Brothers Health System has been providing healthcare for nearly 150 years in Chicago, demonstrating a dedication to serving all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable," said Anthony R. Tersigni, President and CEO of Ascension Health.  "Alexian Brothers and Ascension Health share a commitment to strengthening Catholic healthcare nationwide and we are very enthusiastic about the prospect of helping them continue their vital ministry for generations to come."

Recognizing the challenges facing hospitals around the country and the imminent demands of healthcare reform, the Congregation of Alexian Brothers and its health system's leadership pursued a strategy to identify a partner in a search process that began two years ago. During the strategic planning process Alexian Brothers explored several options for partnership to determine the best fit - strategically, financially and culturally - in order for the Alexian Brothers Health System to continue to successfully serve its communities.

"Alexian Brothers Health System's strong operating performance in recent years was an important aspect of the process. Because of that we were able to approach a potential partnership from a position of financial strength and market leadership," said Frey. "A partnership with Ascension Health provides us with the resources needed to grow as healthcare changes, as well as to strengthen and enhance Alexian Brothers' commitment to providing healthcare in Chicago."

Alexian Brothers Health System leadership determined Ascension Health to be the best fit as the values and management styles of both organizations complement each other. "Ascension Health shares our commitment to patient-centered care, to charity care and to strengthening Catholic healthcare nationwide," said Frey.

Ascension Health, which through its Health Ministries provided more than $1.1 billion in care of persons who are poor and community benefits in 2010, is nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high quality care. "Ascension Health strives to put the patient at the center of all we do," Tersigni said.  "Alexian Brothers also has an emphasis on person-centered healthcare."

There are many other similarities that make the two systems a good fit.  Both Ascension Health and Alexian Brothers Health System are committed to providing care of body, mind, and spirit, community involvement, and caring for those at the margins of society.

"Our physicians and staff, and the communities we serve are our top priorities and we will remain focused on providing quality care," said Frey. "In terms of the healthcare services we provide, we expect this to be an opportunity for Alexian Brothers Health System to grow and expand."

Specific terms of the agreement are confidential.

About Alexian Brothers Health System

The Alexian Brothers Health System (ABHS) is a diversified Catholic healthcare organization founded in 1866 and headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Governed by the 800 year-old Congregation of Alexian Brothers, ABHS oversees operations of acute and specialty care hospitals, physician services, and ambulatory care clinics in Illinois, as well as senior living facilities, rehabilitation services, and community-based programming for the elderly in Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin.  For more information, visit www.alexianbrothershealth.org.

About Ascension Health

Ascension Health (www.ascensionhealth.org) is transforming healthcare by providing the highest quality care to all, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable.  Ascension Health is the nation's largest Catholic and nonprofit health system.  Its Mission-focused Health Ministries employ 113,000 associates serving in more than 500 locations in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

SOURCE Ascension Health