What was first announced in preliminary form in early July has become reality with formal signing today by the boards of directors of Spectrum Health and Lakeland Health approving resolutions to integrate Lakeland Health into Spectrum Health. Lakeland Health has become a division of Spectrum Health, effective today, October 1, 2018.
Lakeland Health will continue to be governed by a local board of directors that will oversee operations and ensure capital investment and philanthropic efforts on a local level. The new entity will be known as Spectrum Health Lakeland.
The two health systems announced their intention to affiliate on July 11, 2018. After months of due diligence, both Spectrum Health and Lakeland Health are committed to an agreement allowing the organizations to collaborate on high quality care to improve the health of the communities they serve. The formal signing ceremony took place at Lakeland Medical Center in St Joseph at 9:30 am this morning.
Tina Freese Decker, President & CEO of Spectrum Health says, “Lakeland Health is an exceptional organization and we are thrilled they are part of Spectrum Health.” She adds, “Lakeland’s focus on serving the community, embedding high quality care practices and emphasizing the importance of including and engaging patients in their care aligns well with Spectrum Health’s culture. I am inspired by the enormous possibilities that lie ahead for the team members and physicians at Lakeland as well as throughout our entire health system. I am also pleased to have Loren serving as chief clinical transformation officer, overseeing such important areas as care management, clinical informatics and programs for the underserved. ”
Dr. Loren Hamel, President & CEO at Lakeland says, “Health care is constantly changing, and even as we embrace those changes, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to take great care of our friends and neighbors.”He adds, “Being part of the Spectrum Health family is an exciting new chapter for us and will only enhance our efforts to fulfill that commitment.”
Spectrum Health and Lakeland Health will continue to build on the pediatric and specialty care connections already established and expand the opportunities to share best practices across the entire Spectrum Health system. Another benefit of this partnership will be Spectrum Health MedNow, a telehealth service that allows anyone in the State of Michigan quick and convenient access to low-acuity primary care on their mobile device.
Lakeland Health is a comprehensive health system serving southwestern Michigan with more than 4,000 employees, 450 providers and hospitals in St. Joseph, Watervliet and Niles. Spectrum Health is the largest employer in West Michigan with 26,000 employees. Spectrum Health offers a full continuum of care through the 12 hospitals of the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, 180 ambulatory and service sites, 3,600 physicians and advanced practice providers, and Priority Health, a health plan that served one million members in fiscal year 2018.
Lakeland Health Board Chair Dan Hopp says, “Over the past decade, our Board has been deliberate about looking at where health care is going and what it will take to succeed.” He adds, “Our many years of collaboration with Spectrum Health have set the stage for a great partnership – this integration will be an extension of that long relationship and allow us to take even better care of our community.”
Dick DeVos is Spectrum’s Board Chair. He says, “From our perspective, any potential affiliation must be a good cultural, strategic, geographic and financial fit, with health services that complement one another.” DeVos adds, “Prior to the July announcement, Spectrum Health’s Board of Directors had spent a full year focused on its growth and partnership strategy in the context of current and anticipated trends. In today’s dynamic and ever-changing health care landscape, it is fulfilling when two organizations have a shared vision that will improve them both as well as the health outcomes of the communities they serve.”
Hamel and Decker unfurled a banner from the upper level of the Lakeland parking garage in St. Joseph today, signifying the change and finalization of the merger just minutes after completing the formal signing ceremony inside.
