A new executive team has been named to lead a newly unified system composed of Trinity Health's two regional systems, said Rob Casalou, president and CEO, Mercy Health and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.
The new statewide health system, which hasn't been named, includes eight hospitals with 2,357 licensed beds, nine outpatient health centers, 12 urgent care facilities and more than 35 specialty centers. It employs more than 22,500 with a medical staff of nearly 4,000 physicians.
"Through our efforts, we are better organized to serve patients with a healthier, stronger and more responsive statewide health care system," Casalou said in a statement. "This leadership model will further align and advance our shared vision to be Michigan's most trusted health partner for life."
In November, Casalou was named CEO of Mercy Health, a three-hospital system in West Michigan based in Grand Rapids. He has been CEO of Saint Joseph Mercy since November 2014 after Garry Faja retired after 32 years with the system.
Roger Spoelman, who had been CEO of Mercy Health, was appointed senior vice president of strategic and operational integration for Livonia-based Trinity Health, owner of Saint Joe and Mercy Health and the nation's second largest nonprofit system with more than 93 hospitals in 22 states.
Executives for the Michigan Trinity Health system named are:
• Mary Boyd, chief integration officer, previously executive vice president of Regional Network and System Development for Mercy Health, will oversee strategy and business development, process excellence, accreditation, business health solutions, innovation hub, and medical group and provider services across the state.
• Sally Guindi, general counsel, has led the legal team and governance for SJMHS for many years and will continue to work closely with the statewide executive leadership team and Trinity Health to establish key statewide affiliations and partnerships.
• Michael Gusho, chief financial officer for SJMHS and interim CFO for Mercy Health since the September 2017 appointment of Gary Allore to president of Mercy Health Muskegon, will now assume the role statewide.
• Ane McNeil, chief human resources officer, who previously served as chief human resources officer for SJMHS, will assume statewide HR leadership and responsibility for strategic HR practices that align within Michigan and Trinity Health.
• Michele Szczypka, chief marketing and communications officer, previously chief marketing officer for SJMHS, will oversee marketing, communications, digital solutions group, call center functions and physician network marketing throughout Michigan.
• Rosalie Tocco-Bradley, M.D., chief clinical officer, who serves as chief medical officer of Saint Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals and chief clinical officer for SJMHS, will work to integrate acute care flow, clinical research, quality, safety, risk, informatics, medical staff office and GME programs throughout Michigan.
"These leaders have proven ability in their respective areas to advance strategic partnerships, growth initiatives and payer strategies in order to create a strong, people-centered care delivery network across Michigan," Casalou said.
Earlier, three other executives were named to the statewide positions: Paul Harkaway, M.D., chief accountable care development officer; Elizabeth Hertel, director of state advocacy; and Doug Fenbert, chief information officer.
Last year, Trinity Health announced plans to regionally integrate staff and resources to improve efficiencies and improve community health. For example, Trinity recently combined five hospitals and other facilities in Connecticut and Massachusetts to form Trinity Health Of New England.
It is unclear whether the new statewide system will ultimately have a new headquarters. For now, the system will operate out of two small regional offices in their current locations. The names Mercy Health and St Joseph Mercy Health System will continue for the foreseeable future. However, Trinity Health Michigan is the corporate name for the holdings in Michigan. Trinity also is working on a statewide brand strategy, a St. Joes spokesman said.
Another question is how much cost reductions through integration of management will be achieved. The spokesman said over the next several years "significant savings" will accrue as having a single regional executive team rather than two will reduce costs. In addition, combining other administrative and support functions across the state will increase efficiencies and cost reductions, the spokesman said.
Combined, the Saint Joseph Mercy and Mercy Health systems have annual operating revenue of about $3.4 billion; SJMHS at $2 billion and Mercy Health at $1.4 billion. Both systems return about $200 million to patients and residents through charity care and community benefit programs, officials said.
"Executive team named for combined Mercy, Saint Joseph Mercy health systems" originally appeared in Crain's Detroit Business.
