DULUTH, Minn. (KFGO) – Essentia Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System of Wisconsin have announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate how the two organizations might combine.
Both organizations said their locations and capabilities would allow them to enhance their level of care in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and North Dakota.
“I have known and admired the work of Marshfield Clinic for more than 30 years,” says Essentia CEO Dr. David Herman. “I have always appreciated their ability to advance the well-being of the communities they serve. I am truly excited to work together for the benefit of our patients and our colleagues.”
Herman said the two health systems also share common values.
“This is an exciting opportunity for both our organizations and those we serve,” said Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO Dr. Susan Turney. “These are two of the premier health systems in the country, looking to come together to serve rural communities and beyond. When I look at Essentia, I see an organization with world-class expertise that complements our own. And I see their long, rich history of serving communities with a mission very similar to ours at Marshfield Clinic Health System.”
The memorandum of understanding is the first step toward a potential merger. Essentia, with a hospital in Fargo, is headquartered in Duluth with about 15,000 employees, including 2,200 doctors, 14 hospitals and 77 clinics.