Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Palos Health Explore Merger

The two Chicagoland health systems have signed a letter of intent for Palos Health to join Northwestern Medicine, subject to the approval of their respective boards of directors and regulatory clearance.

Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and Palos Health announced Friday that they are considering a merger.

In a joint announcement, the two Chicagoland nonprofit health systems said they've signed a letter of intent for Palos Health to join Northwestern Medicine, subject to the approval of their respective boards of directors and regulatory clearance.

"Both health systems are guided by providing patients access to high-quality, compassionate care, close to where they live and wor," NMH CEO and President Dean M. Harrison said in a media release.

"As a member of Northwestern Medicine, Palos Health will join Chicago’s premier integrated academic health system and have access to groundbreaking clinical trials, research, and leading clinical programs," he said.

Palos Health, located in Chicago's southwest suburbs, includes a 425-bed hospital in Palos Heights and a South Campus in Orland Park that provides primary and specialty care, advanced diagnostics and a surgery center. Palos Health includes 3,000 employees and a 600 member Medical Staff.

"The proposed affiliation with Northwestern Medicine will further enhance Palos Health's already strong reputation for providing exceptional community-based care with Northwestern's world-class academic healthcare expertise," said Palos Health President and CEO Terrence Moisan, MD.