Chippewa Valley Times

Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System have officially merged, forming a single nonprofit integrated health system under the Sanford Health banner. With this merger, a significant step forward is taken in the realm of rural health care.

Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health, remarked, "Today's historic milestone paves the way for us to advance world-class care across the rural Midwest and accelerate vital investments in the communities we have the privilege of serving." He added, "Together, we will reimagine the future of local, patient-centered nonprofit health care by expanding services, enhancing access and harnessing innovative technologies to improve the health of our communities." The merger is expected to bring 13,000 new employees from Marshfield Clinic Health System into the fold of Sanford Health.

A new health services delivery region, named the Marshfield Clinic region, will serve Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula as part of Sanford Health's new setup. Both organizations' health plans, Sanford Health Plan and Security Health Plan, will maintain operations with a unified management and governance structure.

Brian Hoerneman, M.D., who moves from his role as interim CEO of Marshfield Clinic Health System to President and CEO of the Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health, expressed optimism for the merger. "Our partnership brings together two organizations deeply committed to advancing health care for the people and communities we serve in rural America," he stated. "Together, we will build on our shared legacy, creating a future where every person, regardless of zip code, has access to the best possible care."

The combined entity will reach patients in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the upper peninsula of Michigan. This includes 56,000 employees, 56 hospitals, 4,500 providers, specialty pharmacies, and research institutions. Their health plans will support over 425,000 members.

Dr. Brian Hoerneman will lead the newly created Marshfield Clinic region, while Dr. Tommy Ibrahim will direct the joint health plans. A robust physician governance structure will guide the system, with representatives from both entities serving on joint governance councils.

Additionally, the integration will form a regional board of community leaders to oversee the Marshfield Clinic region. Patients will continue to receive care from their current providers with no immediate changes, as the integration progresses.

Marshfield Clinic Health System, now part of Sanford Health, maintains its mission to provide accessible, compassionate health care across Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Its operations include numerous clinics, hospitals, a children's hospital, a research institute, and various health plan and foundation activities.