Milwaukee-based Aurora Health Care has formed a joint venture with Marinette-based Bay Area Medical Center.
Aurora will become a minority owner in BAMC, providing a capital infusion and advanced services to the hospital. The nonprofit health care systems will also share resources, including technology and supply costs.
BAMC has a 99-bed acute care hospital, a mobility center, a financial services building and an outpatient pharmacy in Marinette. It also has a rehabilitation facility in Crivitz and a pharmacy in Stephenson, Mich. The company began exploring its strategic options in 2012, and the board of BAMC approved the Aurora agreement Monday.
Aurora has doctors and clinics in the Marinette area, but did not have a hospital there. The joint venture will provide the Bay Area Medical Center with access to Aurora’s providers, care management expertise and supply chain, among other advantages.
A new board of directors will be formed for the joint venture, and will undertake facility, clinic and physician planning. BAMC will shift to Aurora’s electronic medical record system.
“This is a historic milestone for health care in this community,” said Ed Harding, president of BAMC. “Both Aurora and BAMC have served the Marinette community for many years and this joint venture ensures that residents of our community will have access to high-quality care, close to home into the future.”
“Aurora is pleased to partner with BAMC to share clinical best practices and expertise,” said Sandra Ewald, president of Aurora Health Care’s Green Bay, Manitowoc and Marinette Patient Service Market. “We are committed to health care in this community and this joint venture solidifies that.”
