Officials of UnityPoint Health Methodist and Proctor in Peoria have signed an affiliation agreement to form one health system. The affiliation of the hospital campuses, outpatient clinics and other sites of care will create a stronger, broader system of care to better serve patients in the region. The Boards of Directors of Methodist Health Services Corporation (MHSC) and Proctor Health Care Incorporated (PHCI), the parent companies of both organizations, previously approved the terms of the agreement.

Methodist and Proctor expect to complete the affiliation in the fourth quarter of 2013, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

“The focus of our affiliation is to improve the experience for our patients by coordinating their care and providing the high quality services both organizations are known for,” said Debbie Simon, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Methodist.

“Proctor is excited to be joining Methodist so we can work together as a single health system with two locations,” said Paul Macek, president and CEO of Proctor. “Our affiliation will ensure that our high quality and high value services will thrive within a great and respected organization, to the benefit of patients in Peoria and throughout Central Illinois.”

The affiliation agreement outlines a new, collaborative vision for the two organizations. By combining operations into a single health system, Methodist and Proctor can further develop a value-based way of delivering health care services. The elements of this modern, patient-centered delivery system include improving care coordination, expanding access to care with more clinical space and sites, sharing best practices on care processes to improve quality and efficiency, and optimizing the use of resources.