Alexian Brothers Health System and Cardiovascular Associates Reach Agreement

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Oct. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardiovascular Associates (CVA), one of the leading cardiovascular care practices, and Alexian Brothers Health System (ABHS) have reached a definitive agreement to formally align the two prestigious organizations. The agreement will form the Alexian Brothers Heart and Vascular Institute and provide the framework that will continue to grow ABHS's reputation as a center of cardiac care excellence and innovation.

"We share a common goal and long history with ABHS. This partnership is a good fit as we continue to provide the most clinically advanced cardiac care for our patients and community. We are excited to advance the field of cardiovascular care with ABHS and to contribute our expertise to the new Institute," says Jack Chamberlin, President of CVA.

The agreement between CVA and ABHS comes at a time when the healthcare environment makes it even more necessary to involve physician leadership to effectively address resource consumption, quality and cost issues, protocols, supply chain and growth.

"Our organizations complement each other with committed staff and physicians with the right skills, compassion and resources to provide the best care for cardiovascular disease in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago," expresses Mark Frey, Executive Vice President of the Alexian Brothers Health System.

The announcement by both organizations comes just months after Alexian Brothers Health System and Ascension Health disclosed details on the signing of separate definitive agreement making Alexian Brothers Health System part of Ascension Health, the largest Catholic health system in the nation.

Signing of the agreement is expected November 1, 2011. Terms of the agreement are confidential.

About Cardiovascular Associates

CVA is a large cardiology practice formed in 1984 and comprised of 60 employees and 17 physicians specializing in non-invasive cardiology, invasive cardiology, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology and peripheral vascular interventions. CVA has offices at Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village, St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates, Elgin, and Barrington. CVA physicians are on staff at Alexian facilities, Good Shepherd Hospital, in Barrington, and Sherman Hospital in Elgin. CVA also provides electrophysiology services at St. Joseph's in Elgin, Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights and Glen Oaks Hospital, Glendale Heights. For more information, visit: www.cvamd.com.

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.

SOURCE Alexian Brothers Health System