Progressive Health Systems, which includes Pekin (Ill.) Hospital and ProHealth Medical Group also located in Pekin, has taken the first step to affiliate with UnityPoint Health - Peoria in Illinois, according to the Washington Times-Reporter.
The two organizations signed a non-binding letter of intent to pursue exclusive negotiation discussions immediately. Officials hope to finalize the affiliation by the end of the year.
The specifics of the affiliation and what it would mean for employees and patients at PekinHospital and its clinical facilities won't be determined until an official agreement is reached, according to the article.
The CEOs of both hospitals said they expect the affiliation to create new positions at the Pekin facility. Patients who receive primary care in Pekin and visit specialists at a non-UnityPoint network facility will also be able to continue that care uninterrupted.