Essentia Health

HealthPartners and Essentia Health have announced a combination aimed at improving access, quality and affordability of care. The deal brings together two major health systems, and both organisations say the goal is to better serve patients across their regions. Details on structure and timeline have not yet been fully laid out.

Essentia Health is holding vaccine clinics ahead of the respiratory virus season, making flu and other routine immunisations available to patients in the communities it serves. The health system is encouraging people to get vaccinated early, before case numbers of respiratory illnesses rise during the fall and winter months.

HealthPartners and Essentia Health have proposed a merger that would create one of the largest health systems in Minnesota. The Star Tribune reported the proposal, which would combine two major nonprofit care providers with operations across the state and neighboring regions. Details on timing and regulatory review have not been announced, and reaction from patients, staff, and regulators is still forming as the plan moves forward.