PRINCETON – The Perry Memorial Hospital Board held a special session on Friday, during which it voted unanimously to recommend the hospital’s affiliation agreement with OSF HealthCare of Peoria to the city of Princeton. The affiliation agreement will now pass to the Princeton City Council.

In August of 2019, the Perry Memorial Hospital Board and the city of Princeton first entered official discussions with OSF HealthCare to explore a more defined relationship between the two organizations. By January of 2020, the organizations signed a letter of intent, allowing them to share more detailed information and evaluate the financial and clinical benefits of an affiliate agreement, including the potential transfer of ownership from the city to OSF HealthCare.

“It is the mission of Perry Memorial Hospital to provide compassionate, quality health services to the people and communities we serve,” said Linda Gustafson, chairwoman of the Perry Memorial Hospital Board. “PMH has honored this responsibility for 100 years; however, significant changes in health care costs and reimbursements have been and continue to challenge the financial viability of hospitals.”

“The health care environment is rapidly changing, and the innovative approaches we take now better prepare us for the future,” said Bob Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare. “Time and time again, the Perry Memorial Hospital team has shown that they are forward-thinking and trusted partners – both for OSF HealthCare and for all of the communities they serve.”

“The PMH Board of Directors has proactively conducted strategic planning to ensure the future of PMH and the long-term provision of quality health care services for the families and communities we serve. After two years of intensive study, the board of directors has determined that the development of a relationship with OSF HealthCare would ensure that the mission of our hospital will be achieved well into the future,” Gustafson said.

The OSF HealthCare affiliation will provide expanded clinical options to Princeton and the PMH service area of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam counties. OSF HealthCare will expand advanced technology services, including digital health. Meeting the population’s ongoing health needs is the most important goal for Perry Memorial Hospital and the city of Princeton.

The Princeton City Council will hold a public hearing Jan. 4, including members of the Perry Memorial Hospital Board and OSF HealthCare. At this meeting, the City Council will conduct the first of two readings of an ordinance to approve the affiliation agreement. After the readings have occurred, the City Council will vote to approve the affiliation agreement.