Alexian Brothers Health System Set to Become Part of Ascension Health

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascension Health, the largest nonprofit and Catholic health system in the nation, and Alexian Brothers Health System (ABHS) announced today that the final steps have been taken for ABHS to become part of Ascension Health on January 1, 2012.

"We are excited about bringing Alexian Brothers' tradition of quality care and expertise in areas like senior services into Ascension Health," said Anthony R. Tersigni, President and CEO of Ascension Health.  "Our ministries have complementary areas of expertise and share a commitment to Catholic healthcare and the Mission of serving all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable."  

The process to bring Ascension Health and Alexian Brothers Health System together began more than two years ago, when, 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.

ABHS leadership determined Ascension Health to be the best fit because the values and management styles of both organizations complement each other, including both organizations' deep commitment to patient safety and quality, person-centered care and community involvement.

"Ascension Health has a long traditional of caring for those who are poor and vulnerable, just as we do," said Mark A. Frey, President and CEO of Alexian Brothers Health System. "Our relationship with Ascension Health will allow us to continue our ability to provide quality healthcare and housing services across Chicago and at our other ministry locations in Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin."

The two health systems announced plans to enter into the agreement in April 2011. The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved the agreement in early December 2011 and the final agreement was signed last week.  Specific terms are confidential.

The agreement includes Alexian Brothers' two acute care hospitals and two specialty facilities in Chicago, plus senior care facilities in St. Louis, Milwaukee and Chattanooga, Tenn.

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, which provided $1.2 billion in care of persons living in poverty and community benefit programs last year, is the nation's largest Catholic and nonprofit health system.  Our Mission-focused Health Ministries employ more than 113,000 associates serving in more than 1,200 locations in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

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 Ascension Health; Alexian Brothers Health System