DETROIT (Michigan News Source) —  Henry Ford Health and Ascension Michigan have officially completed their $12 billion joint venture, forming one of the largest healthcare systems in Michigan.

What are the specifics of the merger?

The deal, finalized on October 1, brings together 13 hospitals, three behavioral health facilities, and over 550 care sites under the Henry Ford Health banner, along with a workforce of approximately 50,000 employees. Henry Ford Health holds an 80% stake in the new entity, while St. Louis-based Ascension retains a 20% interest.

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“We know what an incredible privilege our healthcare mission is – and today I join our 50,000 amazing team members in taking a monumental leap forward for those we serve,” Bob Riney, President and CEO of Henry Ford Health, said in a statement. 

The expanded system strengthens Henry Ford Health’s presence across the state, as it competes with other large healthcare providers in the region. The health system now ranks just behind Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont-Spectrum) in terms of hospital count and workforce size but surpasses it in net patient revenue. Combined, the Henry Ford and Ascension Michigan facilities generated $8.7 billion in net patient revenue in 2022, positioning the organization as the largest in the state by that measure.

Name changes at key facilities.

Key facilities transitioning to the Henry Ford Health name include Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit, Ascension Genesys Hospital, and Ascension Providence Hospital campuses in Novi and Southfield. Other rebranded sites include Henry Ford Warren Hospital and Henry Ford Rochester Hospital, reflecting the former Ascension hospitals’ new affiliation. Ascension’s Brighton Center for Recovery, an addiction treatment center, is also part of the new network.

Henry Ford Health President and CEO Bob Riney emphasized that patients would experience continuity of care, with existing doctors and services remaining accessible. The integration would provide additional options for care closer to home and access to “groundbreaking clinical trials and research” through Henry Ford’s academic partnerships, according to a press release. 

Technology integration is key.

One of the major components of the merger is the integration of technology, particularly Henry Ford Health’s electronic medical records (EMR) system, Epic. Over the next two years, Ascension Michigan facilities will transition to Epic, which is expected to improve data-sharing and care coordination across the new network.

The merger will maintain the Catholic identity of several former Ascension hospitals, including those under the Providence and St. John names, which will continue to follow religious guidelines in their clinical practices. 

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Henry Ford Health also has ongoing plans to invest $2.2 billion into its main Detroit campus, which includes building a new 20-story patient tower, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. The tower will house expanded emergency and surgical facilities, a rehabilitation center, and other advanced care units. The expansion is part of a broader vision to transform Detroit’s New Center area. 

More comprehensive services on the horizon.

With its increased capacity, the newly combined system aims to provide more comprehensive services across its locations, focusing on improving access, reducing costs, and enhancing patient outcomes. Henry Ford Health has assured its employees that no layoffs are planned as part of the merger, and union contracts from both organizations will be honored.

“This joint venture will not only enhance our capabilities, but also set the stage for sustainable growth and success,” Ascension Senior Vice President Carol Schmidt said. “By combining our strengths, we are better equipped to innovate and respond to the evolving needs of those we are privileged to serve.”