Bronson to expand reach into Battle Creek

Bronson is forming a new regional health care system in partnership with Battle Creek Health Systems.

Bronson will become the operating partner of the new regional system by purchasing 51 percent of BCHS. Specifically, Bronson will purchase the 50 percent share held by Trinity Health — and 1 percent of the BCHS Community Partners holdings.

Battle Creek Health System and Bronson have signed a letter of intent that provides the framework merging the two organizations.

“Bronson’s national reputation for quality and high level regional services such as the children’s hospital, heart care, neurosurgery, and critical care make it an outstanding ‘fit’ with what we offer in Battle Creek,” says Nelson Karre, chair of the BCHS board of trustees.

The decision to partner with Bronson is the culmination of 18 months of strategic review of the marketplace and the future of health care services.

The proposed new system could be operational as early as the middle of 2011 if all regulatory approvals are granted. Until then, both organizations will continue to operate as they have been, and keep one another apprised of major milestones in the merger.

Battle Creek Health System, a 204-bed, multi-campus health care provider, offers full outpatient and inpatient acute care including robotic surgery, diagnostics, and rehabilitation services; 100 percent private rooms.

Bronson Healthcare Group in Kalamazoo is a not-for-profit, healthcare system serving Southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. With a workforce of nearly 5,000 and a medical staff of more than 750, Bronson is one of the area’s largest employers. It offers a full range of services from primary care to advanced critical care and has multiple service locations.

Bronson Methodist Hospital in downtown Kalamazoo is the flagship hospital for the health system. With 405 licensed beds and all private rooms, it provides care in virtually every specialty.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Erin Smith, Bronson