The merger between Intermountain Healthcare and Colorado-based SCL Health that was announced in September took another step forward earlier this week with the signing of a Definitive Agreement outlining terms of the merger. Intermountain’s Board of Trustees and the SCL Health Board of Directors unanimously approved the terms and the agreement was signed this week by Intermountain CEO Marc Harrison, MD, and SCL Health CEO Lydia Jumonville.
CEO Marc Harrison, MD
Leaders from both organizations have been making progress toward this step since the letter of intent to merge the two health systems was announced three months ago.
“This is historic,” Marc said in a town hall meeting with leaders last week. “All of these decisions have been made harmoniously and unanimously. We’re in the process of developing a blended leadership team and there is plenty of work for everyone to do. The desire is to make this as non-disruptive as possible for our patients and caregivers.”
Details initially outlined in the original September announcement about the merger remain unchanged in the Definitive Agreement:
- The post-merger organization will have the Intermountain name and brand, with SCL Health’s Catholic hospitals retaining their Catholic names.
- The organization will be headquartered in Salt Lake City.
- Marc will serve as president and CEO of the combined system.
- Lydia will remain in her role as CEO of SCL Health during the integration period, will serve as a member of the integrated board, and will play a lead role in strategic integration planning.
- Individual operations of the respective organizations will retain their current secular or faith-based status and will continue to adhere to their guiding principles and practices.
“This merger will combine two strong, geographically diverse and complementary health systems,” says Dan Liljenquist, senior vice president and chief strategy officer. “We’re establishing a model system that addresses the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare in the Intermountain West.”
More information about the merger plans, including the newly integrated Executive Leadership Team, will be shared in the first quarter of 2022 as details become finalized. The targeted closing date for the merger is April 1, 2022.