Ascension Health Alliance and Marian Health System Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Ascension Health AllianceTrudy Hamilton, 314-733-8207

Ascension Health Alliance, the parent organization of Ascension Health, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Marian Health System intended to lead to the three regional health systems that comprise Marian Health System becoming part of Ascension Health.

“Ascension Health Alliance and the health systems of Marian Health share a common goal of serving all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable,” said Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Health Alliance. “This step is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Catholic healthcare in the U.S. The systems are all committed to serving the community and advocating for the common good.”

Marian Health System was founded in 1989 and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. It consists of three regional systems: Via Christi Health in Wichita, Kan., which is currently an Ascension Health affiliate; Ministry Health Care in Milwaukee; and St. John Health System in Tulsa, Okla.

“Marian Health System and its three health systems are energized and view becoming part of Ascension Health as a way of strengthening Catholic healthcare in the U.S.,” said Sister M. Therese Gottschalk, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marian Health System. “Together our organizations will further the Mission of delivering spiritually centered, holistic care, which sustains and improves the health of individuals and our communities.”

“Via Christi Health has a rich history of more than 100 years of serving Kansas and the surrounding regions,” said Jeff Korsmo, President and Chief Executive Officer, Via Christi Health. “Ascension Health has been part of that history, and the Memorandum of Understanding is a natural progression to strengthen that successful relationship.”

“Our ability to care for and support the Wisconsin community and continue to grow will be greatly enhanced as part of Ascension Health,” said Nick Desien, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ministry Health Care.

“Ascension Health and St. John have similar values and a shared focus of strengthening Catholic healthcare, with special attention to serving the poor and vulnerable,” said David J. Pynn, President and Chief Executive Officer, St. John Health System. “This partnership has the opportunity to strengthen the future ministry and healthcare operations for both organizations, and grow our Mission of service to the communities.”

Due diligence and the development of a definitive agreement will occur in the coming weeks and months. The organizations anticipate completing the process and reaching a definitive agreement by the end of the first quarter of 2013. At this point, no assumptions should be made regarding changes to the existing credit structures of each of the three health systems of Marian Health System. Specific terms of the MOU and the agreement are confidential.

Ascension Health Alliance is transforming healthcare by providing the highest quality care to all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Last year Ascension Health Alliance, through its subsidiary Ascension Health, provided more than $1.2 billion in care of persons living in poverty and community benefit programs. Its Mission-focused Health Ministries employ more than 121,000 associates serving in more than 1,400 locations in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Other Ascension Health Alliance subsidiaries focus on a wide range of service areas, including treasury management services, venture capital investing, global mission support and medical engineering services. Another subsidiary, Ascension Health Care Network, a joint venture with Oak Hill Capital Partners, provides an alternative funding source for the acquisition of Catholic hospitals and other healthcare provider entities.

Marian Health System, sponsored by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, is a system of 36 affiliated hospitals and more than 150 clinics in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Kansas.