Hospital consolidations: expansion of mission or threat to ministry?

Because of highly competitive conditions that threatened the survival of one of its hospitals in September 1985, Wheaton Franciscan Services, Inc. (WFSI), Wheaton, IL, began the process of consolidating its Catholic hospital with a neighboring community hospital. The negotiations began with establishment of some "nonnegotiables," including continued Franciscan sponsorship of the new entity. Since the consolidation in October 1985, trust has grown between the two parties while competitive energies have diminished. Hopeful signs indicate that the consolidation has enhanced the Catholic healthcare mission. During the 13 months of negotiations, WFSI discovered several essential ingredients for successful affiliations: Sufficient pressure to consolidate. Favorable responses from local lead.er. Ability of each party to reach consensus. Catholic mission requirements established up front. Adequate "courting period" between parties. New president/CEO hired. Medical staff involved early and throughout. Media contacts carefully managed. Human behavior specialist involved as necessary. Joint mission statement developed for new entity.