Memorial Group, BJC strategic affiliation becomes official
From Illinois Business Journal news services
BELLEVILLE – The strategic affiliation between Memorial Group and BJC HealthCare became official on Jan. 1.
The affiliation establishes a new nonprofit jointly owned parent organization, Memorial Regional Health Services. The organization will oversee hospitals in Belleville and Shiloh, as well as outpatient facilities and the community foundation. Mark J. Turner serves as the organization’s president.
“The affiliation is a strong path forward for both Memorial Group and BJC HealthCare, and most importantly, the patients and communities we serve,” said Turner. “It provides greater access to enhanced service lines and medical expertise, as well as an effective and progressive care delivery model close to home.”
“We are drawing upon the strengths and values of two proven health-care providers to create an enhanced, integrated delivery network,” said BJC President and CEO Steven Lipstein. “This marks a proactive step in an ever-changing health care environment that allows us to continue providing the highest quality care well into the future.”
A board of directors appointed by both systems will oversee Memorial Hospital Belleville, Memorial Hospital East, Memorial Foundation and other holdings, which remain intact and community led. Members of the Memorial Regional Health Services board include:
• Tom Barnett, senior vice president of operations and administration – Jim’s Formal Wear
• Myron Hanna, attorney – Hanna and Volmert, LLC
• Roland Thouvenot, president, Thouvenot, Wade and Moerchen Engineering
• Randy Ganim, retired CPA
• Keith Cook, community bank president – Regions Bank
• Chuck Mueller, retired CEO/Board Chairman of Ameren
• Don Ross, vice chairman – Enterprise Holdings
• Bob Plummer, president – R.P. Lumber
• Steven Lipstein, president and CEO – BJC HealthCare
• Richard Liekweg, executive vice president — BJC HealthCare
“The structure preserves our community leadership and maintains our strong commitment to improving the health of area residents,” said Turner. “All services will continue seamlessly and some will be enhanced. Patients will continue to receive quality care from the Memorial doctors and staff they know and have depended on for years.”
Memorial Group and BJC HealthCare signed a letter of intent in April 2015 to explore a strategic affiliation. Following a comprehensive due diligence process and regulatory approvals from state and federal agencies, a definitive agreement was signed in November, paving the way for the affiliation to proceed.
“Health care is changing every day and by working together, we can be at the forefront of this evolution and drive changes that will benefit our patients,” said Turner.
About Memorial Group
Memorial Group is the parent organization of Memorial Hospital, Memorial Hospital East, Memorial Foundation, Memorial Medical Group and Southwest Illinois Health Ventures. Serving Belleville and the Metro East since 1958, Memorial is the area’s leading community health care provider. Memorial is a designated MAGNET facility and an accredited chest pain center. Its medical staff includes more than 400 members representing 48 specialties. The organization’s 2,300 employees have been honored with numerous quality care recognitions.
About BJC HealthCare
BJC HealthCare is one of the largest nonprofit health-care organizations in the United States and is focused on delivering services to residents primarily in the greater St. Louis, Southern Illinois and mid-Missouri regions. With 2014 net revenues of $4.1 billion, BJC serves the health care needs of urban, suburban and rural communities and now includes 14 hospitals and multiple community health locations. Services include inpatient and outpatient care, primary care, community health and wellness, workplace health, home health, community mental health, rehabilitation, long-term care and hospice.
