St. Anthony's Health System, Alton, Ill., and OSF HealthCare System, Peoria, Ill., are considering a possible merger.
The two Catholic systems announced Monday that they have signed a letter of intent to explore an affiliation, with a decision expected this year, following a due diligence period.
“Our potential affiliation with OSF Healthcare System is great news for the communities served by St. Anthony's,” Mother M. Regina Pacis, chair of the St. Anthony's board, said in a release. “It will ensure local access to quality healthcare for many years to come. This potential affiliation also will allow St. Anthony's to grow and offer a wider variety of specialty services while improving our ability to recruit new doctors and further expand services in this community for area residents.”
