by
John R. Fischer, Senior Reporter | February 08, 2022
Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health merge into one healthcare system
Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health merged into a new healthcare system that will temporarily be called BHSH System on February 1. It is the biggest healthcare system in Michigan,
reported the Detroit Free Press.
The new system is based in Grand Rapids and Southfield and operates 22 hospitals and 305 outpatient locations. It consists of more than 64,000 team members, including more than 7,500 affiliated, independent and employed physicians, more than 3,000 affiliated, independent and employed Advanced Practice Providers, and more than 15,000 nurses.
“Together, we will leverage our complementary strengths to innovate and make a positive impact for our communities and their health. We look forward to working with our physicians, team members, patients, health plan members and partners across our state to provide health care and coverage that is accessible, affordable, equitable and exceptional,” said Spectrum Health president and CEO Tina Freese Decker, who has been chosen as the future BHSH System president and CEO.
The two originally
announced plans to merge last June and become a healthcare system that can provide greater access to affordable and equitable healthcare and coverage across Michigan. This includes investing in digital technologies and services such as virtual and in-home care and creating a culture that attracts and retains top healthcare professionals to live and work in Michigan.
They originally expected to complete the merger by the fall but this was pushed back to winter, possibly due to a crackdown by the Biden administration on mergers and acquisitions in the U.S., including in healthcare, according to the Detroit Free Press. Both submitted all requested information for federal and state regulatory approval. A review period by the Federal Trade Commission had also expired, allowing the merger to take place.
The organizations have already set up a board of directors and system leadership team for the new system, with seven members appointed from Beaumont and seven from Spectrum. Decker will also serve on the board, along with an additional board member that will be named at a future point.
BHSH System will conduct internal and national searches to fill open and interim roles. It is currently conducting a nationwide search for the president of BHSH Beaumont Health. Beaumont’s current president, John Fox will leave the organization this month.
