Creates one of the largest health systems in U.S.

On Wednesday, Bon Secours Health System and Mercy Health announced that the two ministries have merged and formed Bon Secours Mercy Health.

It has created one of the largest health care systems in the U.S. with more than 2,100 employed physicians and 43 hospitals across seven states, including Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Russell, Kentucky.

OLBH was built in 1953 by Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, with 92 beds and 44 bassinets. Since then it has grown into a 214-bed hospital with a 1,200 member staff.

Bon Secours bought the hospital in 2000, after the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Health System disbanded.

The Maryland-based Bon Secours Health System and the Cincinnati-based Mercy Health announced the intention to merge on Feb. 21 and expected the combination to be completed by the end of the year.

The company said an expedited timeframe was made possible by early alignment of similar cultures and grounding in Mission-based, quality care, as well as a focused, dedicated team of senior leaders who understood that this would create the opportunity to benefit millions of people across the communities they collectively serve.

The ministry will provide nearly $640 million annually in charity care and community benefit programs, helping to fulfill the important mission of extending the compassionate ministry of Jesus.

A press release called the new organization as being a combination of equals.

“The combined ministry will create opportunities for deepening its commitment to the communities it serves and expanding into complementary service areas across the country,” the release said. “Further integration of the ministries offers an opportunity within the United States and outside of its borders to bring healing and hope to those most in need.”

President and CEO John M. Starcher Jr. announced his management team of 14 senior leaders to establish strategy and operational standards for the new company.

“We have been blessed with an abundance of leadership talent across both Bon Secours and Mercy Health,” Starcher said. “Each of these leaders brings significant experience and a clear vision for how we can work together to ensure patients remain at the center of everything we do. Their leadership and expertise will be key to our success as we continue working to integrate physician, clinical and operational leadership across our growing ministry and transform the way we provide care to the communities we serve.”