Effective March 1, the Southeast Wisconsin operations and related corporate services of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare are part of Ascension Wisconsin.
“Ascension and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare share a common goal of serving all with special attention to those living in poverty and those most vulnerable. We share a commitment to promoting community and the common good, and advocating for a compassionate and just society through actions and words,” said Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension. “This step is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Catholic healthcare in the U.S.”
“We’re excited to welcome Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Wisconsin operations to our national health ministry,” said Robert J. Henkel, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Health, the healthcare delivery subsidiary of Ascension. “Adding their strengths and expertise to Ascension creates a combined ministry that is even better positioned to live our Mission and achieve our Strategic Direction for residents across Wisconsin as our healthcare environment continues to evolve.”
The process to bring Ascension and Wheaton together began nearly two years ago, when the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters engaged in a discernment process to ensure that their mission would endure in each community served.
Wheaton leadership determined Ascension to be the best fit because the mission and values of both organizations align with each other, including the common commitment to deliver high-quality patient care with special emphasis on serving those who are poor and vulnerable.
“We are pleased to become part of Ascension Wisconsin. This relationship will support our efforts in delivering high-quality, compassionate and personalized care in the communities we serve,” said John Oliverio, President and CEO of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.
The two health systems announced plans to enter into the agreement in October 2015. The agreement includes Wheaton’s Southeast Wisconsin region with eight hospital campuses, 350 medical group physicians, outpatient centers, transitional and long-term care facilities, home health and hospice, and nearly 11,000 associates as well as the related corporate services.
Ascension Wisconsin – which includes Columbia St. Mary’s, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare and Ministry Health Care (which includes Affinity Health System) – is the second largest health system in the state and one of Ascension’s largest Ministry Markets. Ascension Wisconsin now includes 27 hospitals, more than 24,000 associates including 1,000 medical group physicians, 150 clinics, and $3.5 billion in annual operating revenues. In fiscal year 2015, the health ministries that now comprise Ascension Wisconsin provided $300 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty.
Click here to learn more about Ascension Wisconsin.
