Jackson-based Allegiance Health has agreed to join Detroit-based Henry Ford Health System. The arrangement is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2016.
“Henry Ford and Allegiance Health share a similar legacy of long-term commitment to our respective communities,” says Nancy Schlichting, CEO of Henry Ford Health System. “…We’re excited this new relationship will be part of the next century of care to Michiganders. Our values and our shared commitment to the diverse communities we serve are unwavering, and will guide this partnership for years to come.”
Schlichting says the joint venture will create enhanced care models and greater access to new technologies, enabling physicians from both systems to work together to develop approaches to patient care.
She says the agreement will also enable Allegiance Health to expand its services and build clinical capacity, as well as improve its facilities and technology. Henry Ford will support Allegiance staff in implementing a new electronic health record platform designed to give physicians, nurses, and clinical staff easy access to the most up-to-date patient information.
“By joining one of Michigan’s premier health systems, Allegiance will be building on our ongoing commitment to providing safe, high quality care and improving community health,” says Georgia Fojtasek, president and CEO of Allegiance Health.
Under the proposed new structure, Allegiance Health leaders and local community leaders will continue to represent local interests on the board of trustees and governance committees.
“Joining with Allegiance Health is an important strategic step for Henry Ford as we broaden our expertise and reach beyond southeast Michigan,” says Wright Lassiter III, president of Henry Ford Health System.
Allegiance Health is a 480-bed community-owned health system in Jackson. Henry Ford Health System is a five-hospital system.
