Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care Close on Merger

November 1 Birthday of New Organization is Celebrated Across the New System

CHICAGO and MOKENA, Ill., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today marks the official closing of the merger joining Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care to form the largest Catholic health care system in Illinois.  The new health system, which provides a continuum of care from Chicago's lakefront to east central Illinois and many points in between, is now a single organization dedicated to the delivery of patient, resident and family-centered care.

Honoring the official "birthday" of the yet-unnamed organization, celebratory activities are taking place at the more 150 sites of care in the organization. Utilizing the unique 11/1/11 birthday, various materials being distributed and activities proclaim the new organization as having the "Power of One" in building a stronger, mission-driven Catholic health system.  Prayer cards will be given to patients, residents, families, employees and physicians to reflect on the significance of the day in a spiritual way.  And, even the tiniest patients are included in the festivities, as infants born on this day in the organization's hospitals will receive complimentary onesies honoring their shared birthday.

"This is an exciting day for us, and we are so proud of this new organization we are creating," said Sandra Bruce, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of the new organization. "As a larger health system, we offer advanced technology and expertise with proven practices and treatments to ensure the best care for patients and resident. It also provides us with greater resources to identify health needs and develop strategies to keep communities healthier. And, as the need for more primary care escalates, we are well positioned to attract a greater number of primary care physicians."

She concluded, "As we generate enthusiasm for the work ahead, our celebration today helps to ensure that all of our patients, employees and physicians know more about our dedication to building an innovative health care delivery model that will improve the quality and service to our patients throughout the region."

About the New Healthcare Organization:
The new ministry is a family of Catholic, not-for profit, healthcare services providing advanced medical care and exceptional service with compassion and hope.  With locations in Chicago and its collar counties, as well as in East-Central Illinois, it is  the largest Catholic health provider in Illinois, encompassing 12 hospitals, 28 long term care and senior residential facilities, numerous outpatient services, clinics, home health services, hospice, private duty, and comprehensive Behavioral Health services.  The new ministry is sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, the Sisters of the Holy Family, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of the Resurrection.  Visit www.provena.org and www.reshealth.org  to learn more about these ministries. 

SOURCE Resurrection Health Care