The combined health care system in the Chicago area could become one of the largest with 12 hospitals in the city and surrounding suburbs. Endeavor Health, including its nine Chicago-area hospitals, announced Wednesday it plans to merge under the umbrella of Rush University System for Health, according to hospital officials. If approved, the combined the health system would include 12 hospitals in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, which could make it one of the largest health systems in the area. Dr. Omar Lateef, president and CEO of the Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center, said the goal is to improve access to patients and opportunities for its workforce. If the merger closes, Lateef would take on a role as CEO emeritus and serve as a strategic adviser while J.P. Gallagher, the current leader of Endeavor Health, will become the president and CEO of the new combined health system, according to a news release.
