May 19, 2021 – Essentia Health and CommonSpirit Health have reportedly called off negotiations for Essentia to acquire 14 Catholic Health Initiatives facilities in Minnesota and North Dakota.
The health organizations signed a letter of intent in early January, but announced yesterday that they could not reach an agreement.
The health systems stated they remain committed to possibilities in the future and have strengthened their relationship throughout the negotiation process.
“While we share a similar mission, vision, values and strong commitment to sustainable rural health care, CommonSpirit and Essentia were unable to come to an agreement that would serve the best interests of both organizations, the people we employ and the patients we serve,” the organizations said in a joint news release.
Earlier this month, more than 800 Essentia and CHI nurses signed a petition expressing their concerns about the takeover, fearing loss of jobs and services. Nurses said they had not received reassurance from the organizations that their contracts and benefits would be honored under Essentia’s ownership, and they were worried services at rural hospitals would be eliminated.