BOLINGBROOK, Ill., Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board today unanimously approved the merger of Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care, with a “resounding yes” vote from IHFSRB Chairman Dale Galassie, who also said, “both Resurrection and Provena are outstanding organizations.” The approval gives way to the formation of the largest Catholic health care system in Illinois, pending its November 1, 2011 closing date.

Sandra Bruce, FACHE, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the new organization, stated, “We respect and appreciate the Board’s conscientious review of our application and their work in facilitating the public hearing process which took place throughout the summer. We are grateful for their thoughtful discernment and for their unanimous approval. We enthusiastically now turn our full attention to creating a strong Catholic health ministry driven by Mission and focused entirely on collaborating with our physicians, staff and our communities to deliver patient, resident and family-centered care that is high in quality and value.”

About the New Healthcare Organization:
The new ministry will be a family of Catholic, not-for profit, healthcare services providing advanced medical care and exceptional service with compassion and hope. With locations in Chicago and its collar counties, as well as in East-Central Illinois, it will be the largest Catholic health provider in Illinois, encompassing 12 hospitals, 28 long term care and senior residential facilities, numerous outpatient services, clinics, home health services, hospice, private duty, and comprehensive Behavioral Health services. The new ministry is sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary and the Sisters of the Holy Family, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of the Resurrection. Visit www.provena.org and www.reshealth.org to learn more about these ministries.

SOURCE Resurrection Health Care