MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Marshfield Clinic Health System has signed a letter of intent along with Dickinson County Healthcare to acquire the Michigan-based health system.
Dickinson County Healthcare is located in the upper-peninsula of Michigan and has six locations including five care centers and a hospital.
Chuck Nelson, CEO of Dickinson County Healthcare said the merger will allow more resources to be poured into healthcare in the system’s coverage areas.
“This is a game-changer for our local community,” Nelson said. “Our momentum at DCH is stronger than ever. Joining Marshfield Clinic helps us expand locally-based access to even higher-quality health care. Together we will add more primary care and specialty providers, widen our scope of services and improve our care environments across all our locations. As a physician-led organization, Marshfield Clinic is best prepared to help lead the health care discussion in the Upper Peninsula.”
According to a release by the two healthcare systems, the partnership will allow expansion for locally-provided outpatient surgeries, supporting DCH’s large pediatric team with Marshfield Children’s Hospital, and growing DCH’s primary care provider team with a powerful provider recruiting network.
Marshfield Clinic also announced they will be helping with a new, state-of-the-art Cancer Center to help with oncology services in the region.
Dr. Susan Turney, CEO of Marshfield Clinic Health System, said the new partnership with DCH will transform rural health care in the Iron Mountain region.
“We know how vital access to local, quality care is for rural communities. Many patients across rural America have little or no access to public transit and drive an hour or more for even routine care. In Michigan and Wisconsin, that means long distances on icy winter roads,” Turney said. “Our integrated model allows us to deliver the full continuum of health care and services in small, rural communities. We are excited to extend care for the first time beyond the borders of Wisconsin, and we could not have a better partner in this venture than DCH. Together, we will define the future of rural health care, and create a regional hub for care in the Upper Peninsula.”
“Marshfield Clinic Health System’s leadership and staff are friendly, smart and engaging,” said Margaret Minerick, board chair of Dickinson County Health System. “Our cultures are aligned, and we could not be more comfortable and confident in our choice to join Marshfield.”
According to the release, the next step is for the organizations to develop a definitive affiliation agreement, which should be finalized by the end of the year. Final closing would occur in 2022.
Additional terms of the deal won’t be shared at this time.
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