URBANA, Ill. – UnityPoint Health-Central Illinois will no longer be under that name by next Spring.
UnityPoint says it will enter in to a “strategic affiliation agreement” with Urbana-based Carle Health that is expected to be finalized by next April first, involving UPH’s Peoria-area medical facilities.
This, after the two sides signed letters of intent last December to consider such a deal.
“We are thrilled about this opportunity to engage with more individuals and families from our Central Illinois communities to help them achieve their best health,” said James C. Leonard, MD, president and CEO, Carle Health, in a news release. “As we work to earn the status of trusted healthcare partner in the greater Peoria region, we will leverage best practices of both teams to enhance the patient experience and bring innovation and individualized care for years to come.”
The entities will all be under the Carle banner.
“We are excited to join a strategic partner that shares our commitment to enhancing care close to home in Central Illinois,” said Keith Knepp, MD, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois, in a news release. “Carle has a like-minded vision for exceptional care, and this is a unique opportunity for our community.”
They say they expect the transition to Carle to be “seamless”, and that the merger would bring, according to a news release, “great community benefits.”
(This story has been corrected to clarity that only UPH-Central Illinois and Carle are entering into the agreement, not the entire UPH system.)
