FAQs
What was announced?
Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System have finalized their combination and are now one health system operating as Sanford Health. Moving forward, Marshfield Clinic Health System will operate as a new health services delivery region of Sanford Health. The Marshfield Clinic region will continue to serve communities in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Who is Sanford Health?
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves 1.4 million patients and nearly 200,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 45 hospitals, 211 clinic locations, more than 160 Good Samaritan Society senior living centers, 2,900 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 540 active clinical trials, and nine world clinic locations around the globe.
Why did Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System come together?
Together, we can lead the way for the future, drive innovation and solve the most pressing challenges facing rural health care. Through our combination, we will expand capabilities that will allow for significant investment in areas that directly support our patients, providers and the communities we serve. In an environment where collaboration and partnership are becoming more common, we know that our aligned missions and deep commitment to rural health, healing and community position us well to transform the future of health care and positively impact the wellbeing of the patients, residents, health plan members and communities we serve for decades to come.
How is this combination beneficial for patients?
This partnership allows us to bring more resources, expertise, and innovation to your care without compromising the standards you expect. As a combined system, we will strengthen rural care delivery, utilize innovative technology to provide a broader range of virtual services, unlock greater research capabilities and transform the patient experience to ensure every patient receives the best care no matter where they live.
Will patients notice any changes?
While this partnership brings new opportunities, our top priority remains delivering the high-quality, compassionate care that our patients deserve. Patients will continue to receive care from the same trusted providers at the same locations, with no immediate changes. However, as one health system, we will be able to bring more resources, expanded services, improved patient access and innovation to patient care.
Will any facilities close as a part of our combination?
There are no plans to close services or facilities. In fact, among the benefits of combining are the additional resources to potentially grow services and enhance our presence in the rural communities we support.
Will Marshfield Clinic retain its own logo and brand?
The parent brand will be Sanford Health, but the Marshfield brand will be predominant within the Marshfield Clinic region.
Will the names of Marshfield’s hospitals and medical centers change?
No decisions have been made. With the transition from Marshfield Clinic Health System to the Marshfield Clinic Region of Sanford Health, there may be some additional name changes, but they will retain the Marshfield name as the predominant identifier. That area will be reviewed in the integration process.
How long will it take for the two organizations to be fully integrated?
Integrating two large health systems is a complex process. As that process moves forward, we are committed to keeping our patients and communities updated on what they can expect from our combined organization. We will share updates as they become available. If you have any questions for us, please send us an email at web.services@marshfieldclinic.org.
