Alegent, CHI board vote to build new academic center

The network board of directors for Alegent Creighton Health/Catholic Health Initiatives on Thursday voted to establish a new academic medical center on the Bergan Mercy Medical Center campus in Omaha, Neb.

The new facility, estimated to take two to three years to complete at a cost of $145 million to $157 million, will include a Level 1 trauma program and freestanding emergency center, primary-care, specialty-care and wellness services. According to system officials, the center will provide additional clinical, research and training opportunities for Creighton University's medical students.

“This monumental decision demonstrates the trust the network board has in Alegent Creighton Health and Creighton University to create something better and provide the best possible healthcare services for the communities we serve in an ever-changing healthcare environment,” Richard Hachten, Alegent Creighton Health's president and CEO, said in a news release. “This bold vision provides a roadmap for our future as we navigate healthcare reform, mounting pressures for more affordable healthcare and the call for greater efficiencies in higher education.”

Alegent acquired Creighton University's medical center in a $63 million transaction that was finalized in September 2012, creating the Alegent Creighton Health system. In November 2012, Catholic Health Initiatives became the sole owner of the 11-hospital system through what was estimated to be a $500 million to $550 million deal.

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