Trinity Health has announced it is exploring strategic integration/partnership options for the future. This is the first step in a proactive evaluation process. No final decision has been made, according to Trinity information.

“The Trinity Health Board of Directors and the leadership team are committed to keeping Trinity Health strong and positioned strategically for the future. In order to accomplish that goal, the organization must be visionary now for the mission to be successful in serving the generations to come,” a Trinity statement said. “After in-depth evaluation, the Board has directed the Trinity Health leadership team to explore a ‘strategic integration’ strategy including partnerships with larger national or regional health system.”

“The exploration of a strategic integration strategy is about Trinity Health being proactive and visionary,” said Pat Holien, chairman of the Trinity Health Board of Directors. “Healthcare is constantly evolving, and the board wants to ensure Trinity Health can strengthen our services, enhance our resources and position ourselves to continue providing high-quality care for years to come. This exploration process is part of planning for the future.”

In June of 2015, Trinity Health signed a letter of intent to enter a joint venture with Montana-based Billings Clinic and Tennessee-based RegionalCare Hospital Partners. Under the proposal, Billings Clinic RegionalCare would have hired existing Trinity staff and invested in capital needs, while local management and board leadership remained, but the parties agreed to end negotiations toward a possible partnership in November of 2015.

Trinity reported it is now exploring strategic integration options because of the rapid changes occurring in healthcare. Costs to deliver care keep rising, while payments from programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and commercial payers do not cover the cost of the care provided.

These challenges are not unique to Trinity Health or North Dakota. Many standalone hospitals across the country have faced serious financial and operational challenges. Since 2020, rising care costs and declining reimbursements are forcing hospitals to make significant changes, Trinity stated.

“The challenges facing independent systems like Trinity Health are significant, and they are increasing. To protect its important mission, Trinity Health is taking action on exploring options proactively from a position of strength,” the organization stated.

To guide Trinity Health through this complex process, the Board of Directors has engaged a leading national firm specializing in healthcare strategic advisory services. This firm will assist the board and Trinity leadership in evaluating options. In addition, the board has formed a special committee to lead the exploration work. The initial phase of this process will include gathering and evaluating information to understand what strategic options exist that could allow Trinity Health to advance in the future.

The committee will consider preparing for and keeping local access to care for patients; investing in facilities, technology and people; recruiting and retaining excellent physicians, nurses and staff; and maintaining a strong local voice in how the health system operates.

“We know that this strategic integration evaluation process will help us proactively prepare and determine future strategies to lead Trinity Health to a strong future. Our end goal is to continue to make more possible for our employees, our patients and the region that we serve,” said John Kutch, president and CEO of Trinity Health.

Proposals from potential strategic integration partners will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if integration serves the best long-term interests of Trinity Health and the mission to serve the Minot community and the region.