We’re enhancing our commitment to safe, seamless, personal healthcare.

Edward-Elmhurst Health has taken a significant step toward the creation of a new partnership with NorthShore University HealthSystem, which is headquartered in Evanston.

We’re finalizing our plans to merge into one regional health system, which will give us the ability to offer our patients expanded access to expert, community-connected healthcare and services, while we continue to provide exceptional patient-centered care at the local level.

“NorthShore’s approach is aligned with Edward-Elmhurst in so many ways,” says Mary Lou Mastro, President and CEO of Edward-Elmhurst Health. “We share values and a vision for the future that gives us a strong foundation to create a needed regional alternative offering vibrant, community-connected healthcare. We look forward to working with our staff and clinical partners in transforming the future of healthcare through their expertise, compassion and commitment.”

The combined organization would include nine hospitals, 25,000 team members and the second largest physician network in Illinois with more than 6,000 employed and independent clinical experts. Together, we will be one of the largest employers in our communities.

Our commitment to the communities we serve remains the same. Our hospitals will maintain community-led boards to ensure an unwavering local focus. The doctors you know and trust will still be here, along with the high level of personalized care you expect from Edward-Elmhurst Health.

What will change? You’ll have more options. Our patients will have access to an expanded network of physicians and specialists. The partnership will also allow for shared expertise and expansion of critical services such as orthopedics, cardiology and behavioral health.

“NorthShore and Edward-Elmhurst Health share a vision of delivering expanded access to a transformative patient care experience,” says NorthShore President and CEO J.P. Gallagher. “By working together, we’ll connect patients and communities to personalized care, advanced clinical solutions and innovative technologies through improved access, expertise and services.”

This partnership includes another benefit. NorthShore and Edward-Elmhurst Health share common goals: providing top-tier, expert care close to home and a desire to see our local communities flourish.

Edward-Elmhurst Health and NorthShore have each created community investment funds with $100 million committed to their respective communities. The funds will generate millions of dollars in annual interest that will be invested locally—supporting partnerships with organizations that work to enhance community health equity and foster local economic growth.

This partnership isn’t complete yet. We’ve signed a preliminary agreement to merge and will complete a due diligence process and secure the necessary regulatory approvals over the coming months. We’re hopeful the partnership will become final at the end of 2021.

A safe, seamless, personal patient experience. A focused determination to become the best place to work, the best place to practice and the best place to receive medical care. This is what you can expect from us moving forward.