OMAHA, Neb. — The partnership between Alegent Health and Creighton University will be reflected in hospitals and clinics across the region. Effective Sept. 1, a new name, Alegent Creighton Health, prompted by Alegent and Creighton’s strategic affiliation, solidifies the partnership that is built on their shared faith-based missions.
“This was a very big decision supported by research and based on our patients’ and communities’ expectations,” said Richard A. Hachten II, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Alegent Health. “The reason Alegent and Creighton are coming together is for our community, so what they think is important.”
The new name was approved by Alegent Health Board of Directors and filed with the state of Nebraska Aug. 2. That filing marks the beginning of the last stage of the acquisition and affiliation process. Alegent is on track to “close” on the acquisition of Creighton University Medical Center (CUMC), the long-term strategic affiliation with Creighton University and the academic affiliation that will make Alegent hospitals and clinics the primary teaching sites for the schools of health sciences.
“As the new names reflect, these new health-care entities will further the missions of both faith-based organizations by improving local health care and transforming medical education for the benefit of physicians, students and the communities we serve,” said Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., president of Creighton University.
As part of the strategic affiliation, Creighton University’s physician practice, Creighton Medical Associates (CMA), will become part of Alegent Health Clinic. On Sept. 1, the new physician group will be named: Alegent Creighton Clinic.
“This new name personifies what this new physician practice will be – a multi-specialty clinic that offers physicians the best place to practice medicine, our staff the best place to care for patients, students the best place to learn and our community the best patient experience,” said Rick Rolston, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Alegent Health Clinic.“That is our goal every day.”
As with the clinic, the system's new name will go into effect Sept. 1, the same day Alegent is expected to assume operations of CUMC and CMA.
Alegent is working closely with Creighton and Tenet Healthcare, which is the majority owner of CUMC, to welcome employees and help them feel comfortable with their transition into Alegent.
“We recognize that change can be stressful, so it is very important to us that our new employees feel welcomed into Alegent Health,” said Hachten.
“This affiliation is the most significant event to occur in our health sciences programs in perhaps the entire history of the university. It has been extremely gratifying to see the support that members of Alegent and Creighton have shown for one another during this transition,” said Lannon.