Henry Ford Health is set to finalise a major merger with Ascension Michigan on September 30, 2024. This strategic move will form a new, unified health system valued at $10.5 billion, encompassing 15 hospitals across metro Detroit, Flint, and Jackson. The merger represents a significant shift in the healthcare landscape of Michigan, bringing together two major players in the region.
In this article, we’ll explore the key details of this merger, the anticipated changes, and what it means for healthcare in Michigan.
1. The Merger Details: What to Expect
On September 30, Henry Ford Health and Ascension Michigan will complete their merger, officially creating a new health system that begins operations on October 1. Here’s what you need to know:
-
Unified Health System: The combined entity will operate 15 hospitals and over 550 care sites, making it one of the largest health systems in the region.
-
Headquarters: The merged organisation will remain headquartered in Detroit, under the Henry Ford Health name and branding.
-
Leadership Structure: Bob Riney, current president and CEO of Henry Ford Health, will continue in his role, leading the new health system. The board of directors will feature representatives from both Henry Ford and Ascension Michigan, ensuring a balanced governance structure.
For more on the merger details, check out Henry Ford Health’s official statement.
2. Operational Changes and Transition
As part of the merger, several operational changes are planned:
-
Hospital and Facility Integration: Henry Ford Health will take over eight of Ascension Michigan’s acute care hospitals and the Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery.
-
Tech Transition: Ascension Michigan properties will transition to Henry Ford Health’s technology platforms, including the Epic electronic health record system and Henry Ford MyChart for patient access.
-
Employee Integration: Benefit-eligible Ascension workers will transition to the Health Alliance Plan (HAP), owned by Henry Ford Health. Additionally, Ascension employees will receive IDs and passwords to access Henry Ford’s computer systems starting August 29.
For details on the operational changes, visit Henry Ford Health’s integration plan.
3. Leadership and Executive Team
The new, expanded health system will have a robust leadership team. Key appointments include:
-
Dr. Adnan Munkarah: President, Clinical Enterprise and Chief Physician Executive. He will oversee clinical care and the healthcare delivery system.
-
Denise Brooks-Williams: Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She will manage operations, supply chain, and support services.
-
Robin Damschroder: President of Value-Based Enterprise and Chief Financial Officer.
-
Steven Bender: Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, joining Henry Ford on October 21.
-
Dennis Butts: Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Network Development Officer.
-
Patrick Kelly: Transitioning from the Ascension Michigan Foundation to Chief Mission Integration Officer at Henry Ford Health.
Additionally, Dr. Doug Apple and Tom Klein from Ascension Michigan will join the Henry Ford leadership team.
For a full list of the new leadership team, see Henry Ford Health’s executive announcement.
4. Catholic Affiliation and Future Considerations
The merger will maintain the Catholic affiliation of Ascension Michigan facilities at least initially. Discussions about the future state of Catholic identity and its impact on services like LGBTQ and reproductive health care are ongoing.
Henry Ford Health has not yet clarified the role of the Archdiocese of Detroit or the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in shaping these aspects of care.
To stay informed on these discussions, follow updates on Catholic health care and integration.
5. Impact on the Local Healthcare Landscape
The creation of this new health system is set to transform the healthcare landscape in Michigan:
-
Broader Coverage: With 15 hospitals and over 550 care sites, the combined health system will offer comprehensive coverage across a large geographic area, improving access to healthcare services.
-
Economic Impact: The merger represents a significant financial and operational shift, creating a $10.5 billion entity. This will likely enhance the system’s ability to invest in new technologies and expand services.
-
Employee and Patient Experience: The transition to Henry Ford Health’s systems and the integration of employees will impact both staff and patient experiences. The new health system aims to provide a seamless experience for both groups.
For more on the impact of the merger, read The Free Press’s coverage.
Key Takeaways:
- Merger Completion: Henry Ford Health and Ascension Michigan will merge on September 30, creating a $10.5 billion health system.
- Operational Integration: The transition will include hospital takeovers, tech platform changes, and employee integration.
- Leadership: A new executive team will lead the merged health system.
- Catholic Affiliation: Discussions on the future of Catholic identity and care services are ongoing.
- Local Impact: The merger will reshape the healthcare landscape in Michigan, improving coverage and investment.
