What is happening?

Carle Heath, UnityPoint Health (UPH) and UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois have entered into a strategic affiliation agreement to integrate Methodist, Proctor and Pekin hospitals and clinics, Methodist College, UnityPlace and other healthcare services into the Carle Health system.

Pending all approvals, the transaction is slated to close in April 2023. At that point, Carle Health will replace UnityPoint Health as the parent organization of UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois and its hospitals, clinics and services. Our coming together presents exciting possibilities to enhance services for the people of Central Illinois and maintain our focus on improving the health of our patients in Peoria, Pekin and the surrounding region.

Why is Carle Health pursuing a relationship with UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois?

Our focus remains on care delivery and expansion of care to those that need it. Carle Health, UnityPoint Health and UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois are centered on the health care needs of Peoria and surrounding communities and opportunities to enhance access to high-quality, high-value care in the region. This potential change represents exciting possibilities to build on the important achievements by each of the organizations. With patients as our “north star”, we believe having a high-quality clinical enterprise join our network will improve and expand our ability to deliver compassionate, affordable health care in the region.

Why does UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois want to be part of Carle Health?

UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois and Carle share a vision to expand access to care and improve health of the people we serve. This proposed partnership will allow Methodist, Pekin and Proctor Hospitals and clinics, and UnityPlace and Methodist College to grow healthcare services in the Central Illinois region through Carle Health and strengthen the exceptional legacy of our hospitals for many years to come. Finding a partner that shares a commitment to care close to home in Central Illinois and has a like-minded vision for what the future of exceptional care could look like is rare, and we are excited to explore this unique opportunity together.

What is clinical integration and why does it matter?

Clinical integration is the seamless coordination of care across providers and care settings – through shared technology, protocols and decision-making – to ensure patients receive the highest quality care at the right time and in the most appropriate setting.

What happens next? When will the potential agreements be completed?

There is a lot of work ahead to realize the promise of this important partnership. Carle’s teams, along with UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois, and UnityPoint Health are working together to ensure a seamless transition as we build upon the excellent reputation UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois and its care teams bring to the region.

What does this mean for UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois patients and the community?

It is important to know that nothing changes today. Families across Central Illinois will still be able to access the same excellent healthcare you receive today from the providers you know and trust. We believe this partnership will optimize the integration of clinical services and boost the long-term sustainability of healthcare in the region.

What does this mean for me as a patient? Can I still see my provider?

It is important to know that nothing changes today. Families across Central Illinois will still be able to access the same excellent healthcare they receive today from the providers they know and trust. We believe this partnership will optimize the integration of clinical services and boost the long-term sustainability of healthcare in the region.

Will any of our hospitals close as a result of this deal?

No. The goal of UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois in joining the Carle Health system is to enhance care and expand service offerings in Central Illinois. All three hospitals that are part of UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois have important roles to play in our shared vision for the future.

Will this impact my insurance/billing?

No. It is important to know that nothing changes today. You will still be able to access the same excellent healthcare you receive today from the providers you know and trust.

Will my donations be impacted?

No. It is important to know that nothing changes today. All donations to the UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois Foundation will be honored or fulfilled as intended. We will share more details as they become available.

My provider is an independent physician who leases space from UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois. Will this change their current location?

No. We do not anticipate any changes to our leasing agreements after the deal close. There are many points to be discussed as we are still finalizing the details of our partnership. It is important to know that nothing changes today.

Will there be any changes to the services/service lines offered through UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois?

It’s important to know that nothing changes today. UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois will continue to offer its current services and quality care today, tomorrow and in the future.