Experts weigh in on proposed Northwestern, KishHealth affiliation

Ayla Ellison -

Industry experts have shared their opinions on the proposed affiliation between Dekalb, Ill.-based KishHealth and Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial HealthCare.

The two systems signed a letter of intent to explore an affiliation at the end of May, and experts believe the transaction could have a positive effect on residents of Dekalb.

"If these organizations do it correctly, it would mean more coordination of care [and] more efficient care," Casey Nolan, managing director of Washington, D.C.-based Navigant Consulting, told the Daily Chronicle. "It could be good for everyone."

Chicago-based Health Capital Group President James Unland told the Daily Chronicle the potential affiliation is a "win-win." He also provided some specifics as to what can be expected from the deal.

"Northwestern would not be walking in and taking over," Mr. Unland told the Daily Chronicle. "In 90 percent of these kinds of mergers, there is a promise to do capital improvements. Usually the bigger partner injects capital, and that is a good thing for DeKalb County. This gives Kish access to capital and access to very advanced specialists."

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