Henry Ford, Ascension announce plans to combine health care systems

The combined organization — which will maintain the Henry Ford Health brand — would employ approximately 50,000 staff members at more than 550 sites of care across the region.

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Henry Ford Health announced on Wednesday it has signed an agreement to enter a joint venture with Ascension Michigan in a move that will bring together Ascension’s southeast Michigan and Genesys healthcare facilities within the Henry Ford Health network.

The combined organization — which will maintain the Henry Ford Health brand — would employ approximately 50,000 staff members at more than 550 sites of care across the region, with its headquarters remaining in Detroit. It would be led by President and CEO Bob Riney and governed by a Board of Directors representative of both organizations, according to Henry Ford Health.

“Patients across Michigan will have more access than ever to end-to-end healthcare services, from primary care through complex specialty care and procedures,” said Dr. Doug Apple, chief clinical officer, Ascension Michigan, in a statement. “Together, we will coordinate existing and expanded services to surround our patients with what they need to live healthy lives – with more options closer to home.”

Conversations on the future state of the Catholic identity of the Ascension Michigan facilities are ongoing, with both organizations reportedly working to maintain it through the partnership.

The joint venture would include no exchange of cash, and would need to be approved by state and federal regulatory agencies to move forward. The organizations are aiming for the transaction to close by summer 2024.

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  • Jenny Sherman
    Jenny Sherman is 101.9 WDET's Digital Editor. She received her bachelor’s in journalism from Michigan State University and has worked for more than a decade as a reporter and editor for various media outlets throughout metro Detroit.