Why We’re
Joining Together
We share a vision to enhance care and improve the health of the people we serve in Central Illinois. The UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois team has established a strong foundation of trust and compassionate care with patients throughout the region for decades. Moving forward with this agreement solidifies the extension of the patient-centered approach to healthcare both systems offer, with the opportunity to expand specialty services and expert innovations in Peoria and the surrounding area. All three organizations are approaching this agreement from positions of strength, both financially and operationally, with excellence in clinical programs that will be expanded for the benefit of patients, team members and the community.
Our Goals
The UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois and Carle integration comes at a time when consumer preference for personal healthcare is on the rise and the need for innovative solutions close to home is more important than ever. Streamlining operations as a larger integrated health system through this affiliation would bring great community benefits and a greater understanding of the needs of patients throughout the region, which can further the outstanding level of care that UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois patients have come to depend on.
Together, we will make a meaningful impact while keeping quality care closer to home for patients and their families. This partnership will:
Advance care in Central Illinois.
Both Carle Health and UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois are committed to providing a broader continuum of care by strengthening and expanding the services our patients rely on – including medical, behavioral health and addiction recovery services. Bringing added specialty care with experts working in your community makes it easier to get the care you need close to home.
Enhance clinical quality.
Combining care and coverage together means greater access to preventive care and improved health outcomes.
Build the next generation of healthcare providers.
We will build upon our strong foundations working to train and inspire the next generation of physicians and clinicians through clinical and medical education programs.
Enhance technology and facilities.
Carle Health brings a commitment of exceptional clinical care with increased access to technology and services, improved facilities, and enhanced assets.
About the Partners
Carle Health
Carle Health combines clinical care, health insurance, research and academics in a way that solves real-world problems today with an eye toward the future. Supported by a deep philanthropic spirit, Carle is dedicated to doing what it takes to make life better for as many as possible. Its mission is to serve people through high-quality care, medical research and education. Based in Urbana, IL, Carle Health is an integrated system of healthcare services, which includes a five-hospital system, multi-specialty physician groups, as well as Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the Stephens Family Clinical Research Institute. Named a Great Place to Work®, Carle Foundation Hospital also ranks as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals™ by Healthgrades® and both Carle Foundation Hospital and Carle BroMenn Medical Center hold Magnet® designation, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care. The system includes five hospitals with 806 beds, multi-specialty physician group practices with more than 1,000 doctors and advanced practice providers, and health plans including FirstCarolinaCare and Health Alliance. Health Alliance is a leading provider-driven health plan serving Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Washington, and FirstCarolinaCare health plan serves North Carolina.
UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois
UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois is a high quality, not-for-profit healthcare provider. Serving the Central Illinois community, it is an integrated network of three hospitals with 634 beds, more than 850 multi-specialty physicians, 76 clinics, home-health services, a level two trauma center, and many advanced specialty services. Both Methodist and Proctor hospitals hold Magnet® designation, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care. UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois also includes Methodist College and UnityPlace which offers the most comprehensive addiction and mental health services in Central Illinois. UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois employs nearly 5,000 team members dedicated to providing coordinated clinic, hospital, and home-based care for patients in the region.
UnityPoint Health
UnityPoint Health is one of the nation's most integrated health systems, providing care to both metropolitan and rural communities across Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, UnityPoint Health has relationships with more than 450 physician clinics, 20 regional and 19 community network hospitals, 7 community mental health centers, 4 accredited colleges and home care services throughout its 9 regions. UnityPoint Health entities employ more than 32,000 team members who are dedicated to making it easier for people to live well. For more information, visit unitypoint.org
What’s Next?
There is a lot of work ahead to realize the promise of this important partnership. Signing the strategic affiliation agreement is a significant step in the process to explore what this partnership could look like. UnityPoint Health - Central Illinois and Carle are now in a focused transition planning process and engaging in meaningful conversations to determine the details of coming together. Pending standard regulatory review and approval, we hope to finalize the agreement by April 2023.