At least four hospitals based in Chicago are in talks to merge into one organization, according to Crain's Chicago Business.
The four hospitals involved in the talks are Advocate Trinity Hospital, Mercy Hospital & Medical Center, South Shore Hospital and St. Bernard Hospital.
The hospitals want to create a single system that would be united under one leadership team.
Some of the Chicago-based hospitals could be transitioned to ambulatory surgery centers, while others may be turned into physician offices or skilled nursing facilities, Crain's reported.
The goal of consolidating is to improve the financial picture of the hospitals, all of which posted net losses in 2018. The losses ranged from $1.3 million at South Shore Hospital to $68.3 million at Mercy Hospital, according to the report.
Combining would help the institutions bolster bargaining power with insurers and suppliers, cut duplicative services and eliminate some other expenses, like equipment.
Crain's noted that the talks are at an early stage and may not result in a merger.
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