WEST MICHIGAN — Saint Mary’s Health Care in Grand Rapids and Muskegon’s Mercy Health Partners would become part of a far larger health system under the potential combination of parent company Trinity Health with Newtown Square, Penn.-based Catholic Health East.
The Novi-based Trinity Health and Catholic Health East today signed a non-binding letter of intent to unite into a single Catholic health system that would have 82 hospitals in 21 states and generate revenues of $13.3 billion.
“To serve people best in today’s health care environment, health systems must have ready access to resources and ideas across the broad spectrum of care, and this consolidation would help us achieve that goal with an exceptional national network,” Trinity Health President and CEO Joseph Swedish said. “We are excited about the benefits our combined organizations will bring to people and communities nationwide.”
Trinity Health owns 36 hospitals in 10 states and manages another 14. In West Michigan, Trinity Health owns Saint Mary’s Health Care, Mercy Health Partners that includes two hospitals in Muskegon and one in Shelby, and Mercy Hospital in Grayling and Mercy Hospital in Cadillac.
Directors at both Trinity Health and Catholic Health East will seek to reach a final consolidation agreement in 2013.
The two announced their letter of intent amid a wave of consolidation in the health care industry brought on by reforms.
Metro Health in Grand Rapids on Tuesday said it would seek a partner through a possible joint venture, equity investor or a partial or full merger.
