At the official signing ceremony were top row, from left, Greg Blommel, MD, president and CEO of the West Bend Clinic; Dick Becker, chair of Froedtert & Community Health; and Richard Leitheiser, chair of the Synergy Foundation Board; and bottom row, from left, Bill Petasnick, president and CEO of Froedtert & Community Health; and Tom Johnson, chair of SynergyHealth.

West Bend, WI (July 1, 2008) — With an official signing ceremony, St. Joseph’s Hospital, the West Bend Clinic and SynergyHealth Foundation formalized their affiliation with Froedtert & Community Health, effective July 1. In May, the three West Bend healthcare organizations announced their decision to join Froedtert & Community Health, a regional hospital system made up of Froedtert Hospital and Community Memorial Hospital.

"This is a very important day for us, joining with leaders who share our values and commitment to serving patients and the community,” said Bill Petasnick, president and chief executive officer of Froedtert & Community Health. “I look forward to the work ahead as we create a strong regional healthcare organization that responds to the growing needs of West Bend and Washington County.”

Petasnick said benefits of the affiliation include improved care coordination across a broader network of providers and expanded healthcare services for area residents. Cancer, cardiovascular and primary care services have already been identified as potential areas for development.

“Both St. Joseph’s Hospital and the West Bend Clinic have always had a high level of energy and capacity to provide quality health services,” said Tom Johnson, chair, SynergyHealth board of directors. “Completion of the affiliation process with Froedtert & Community Health now provides a focus for continued growth of healthcare services in our community.”

As part of Froedtert & Community Health, St. Joseph’s Hospital and the West Bend Clinic will retain their names; the SynergyHealth Foundation will become the St. Joseph’s Community Foundation, reflecting its mission to support healthcare needs in Washington County. All of the Foundation’s resources – both past and future – will remain in Washington County for the betterment of the community. Additionally, any past or future donations for specific purposes – for the hospital, hospice or specific programs – will continue to be used for those purposes.

Author: Phill Trewyn

Date: July 1, 2008