The reports come after significant mergers and acquisitions, such as those by AMITA Health and Advocate Aurora Health, have affected the Chicago area in recent years.
If local media reports pan out, then more hospital consolidation could be coming to the Windy City.
Chicago's Swedish Covenant Health is reportedly discussing a potential merger with the Rush System for Health, which includes Rush University Medical Center on the city's Near West Side.
A spokesperson for Swedish Covenant, which runs one hospital on the city's North Side, told the Chicago Sun-Times' Stefano Esposito that the organization is always looking for ways to grow stronger and enhance its ability to meet the community's needs.
"Over the years we have partnered with several leading health organizations in the Chicago area," the spokesperson reportedly said. "We will continue to explore opportunities to partner with organizations who share our mission and values and will share news if or when partnerships occur."
A spokesperson for Rush declined the Sun-Times' request for comment.
'Finalizing a Deal Is the Easy Part': Advocate-Aurora Merger Complete
Crain's Chicago Business was first to report the potential merger, citing unnamed sources "close to the hospitals."
The reports come after significant mergers and acquisitions have recently affected the Chicago area. AMITA Health, which was formed as a partnership between Ascension's Alexian Brothers Health System and Adventist Health System, added 10 hospitals last year with its Presence Health acquisition.
And the union of Advocate Health Care with Aurora Health Care to form the large Chicago-based Advocate Aurora Health has impacted the broader region.
Steven Porter is an associate content manager and Strategy editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.
Photo credit: Chicago: Panoramic view of Chicago city with Cloud Gate Sculpture in downtown and in foreground. (Editorial credit: Aberu.Go / Shutterstock.com)