Milwaukee-based Advocate Aurora Health has signed an agreement to take full ownership over Bay Area Medical Center in Marinette, Wis., which will be renamed Aurora Medical Center - Bay Area.
Since 2014 the medical center has operated as a joint venture with Aurora Health Care, which merged with Advocate Health Care last year. The deal is still subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be finalized by midyear.
The agreement calls for Advocate Aurora Health to contribute $25 million toward the creation of a foundation that will support health and wellness initiatives in the communities served by Bay Area Medical Center.
"A full transition under the Advocate Aurora Health umbrella is a natural evolution given our common vision and values about high quality, patient-centered care," said Ed Harding, president of Bay Area Medical Center. "This move will ensure the strength and stability of the medical center as all providers are navigating through uncertainties in the healthcare industry. The community will benefit from a wide array of coordinated services in the existing Advocate Aurora Health footprint, and patients and families can rest assured they'll continue to receive the highest quality care."