PeaceHealth, Catholic Health Initiatives plan merger

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — PeaceHealth has announced plans to merge with Catholic Health Initiatives, a move that will create a system with 16 hospitals in the Northwest.

PeaceHealth, which is based in Vancouver, Wash., operates the Sacred Heart hospitals in Eugene and Springfield as well as facilities in Cottage Grove and Florence.

Colorado-based Catholic Health Initiatives operates Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg and St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton.

A joint news release says the move will help PeaceHealth improve access to health care while reducing costs.

The merger is not expected to be finalized until the middle of next year.

___

Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com


Copyright 2012 The Associated Press