Genesis Health System is considering a “partnership” with another health care system.
In a news release Wednesday, Dec. 1, the Genesis Board of Directors announced it has begun a “thoughtful process to explore the possibility of partnering with another leading health care system.”
Genesis officials said there is no financial urgency to partner with another system as the local health system is in a “position of strength.” However, “we recognize that a partnership may create additional opportunities to address market pressures” and improve patient care, according to the health systems’ release.
Genesis expects to reach a decision on the partnership issue by this summer. At that time, the health system could announce a new partnership deal or remain an independent system.
If a partnership does take place, there will be no changes in patient insurance coverage, and care could improve for many people, according to Genesis.
“A potential partnership could enhance our ability to expand our local access to comprehensive care that meets the specific health needs of our patients and communities — especially in key, complex clinical areas that require subspecialists,” the release said.
“We are exploring potential partnerships to ensure that we can grow and thrive into the future in a dynamic and rapidly changing healthcare environment,” Genesis CEO and President Doug Cropper said in a statement. “As we consider opportunities, we will focus on identifying meaningful opportunities to drive collaboration that advances not only our clinical goal, but also our strategic vision and values.”
Cropper added that about 30 health system organizations from throughout the country are being considered for the partnership. Those organizations have been contacted about the potential partnership with Genesis.
During the potential partnership process, Genesis officials said they will be looking at several “key areas of opportunity.” Those include:
- Increase local investment and maintain local decision-making.
- Enhance support and resources for the Genesis workforce. They also hope to create a new pipeline for recruiting workers.
- Create opportunities for growth and enhance local delivery of care.
- Reinforce the health system’s commitment to quality, safety and the patient experience.
“We have seen our organization become better through partnerships, beginning with the union of Mercy and St. Luke’s hospitals in 1994,” Steve Bahls, chair of Genesis Health System’s Board of Directors, said in the release. “Our successful history of collaborations allows us to move into this exploration process with confidence about who we are and where we choose to go.”
Genesis is one of the Quad Cities’ largest employers with more than 5,200 employees across its hospitals, clinics and other operations.
To read more, visit genesishealth.com/exploration.
