Sinai Health System, the Sisters of St. Casimir and Holy Cross Hospital have signed a Definitive Agreement for Holy Cross Hospital to join Sinai Health System at the end of this year. Holy Cross Hospital and Sinai Health System are mission-driven, neighboring institutions providing essential health care and related social services for communities on Chicago’s West, South, and Near North sides.

Discussions between Sinai Health System and Holy Cross Hospital were announced in May 2012. “This strategic pairing underscores the shared missions of two vital communities, not-for-profit health organizations. It strengthens and expands care for communities through combining our high-quality services,” said Alan Channing, president and CEO of Sinai Health System.

Holy Cross Hospital, currently sponsored by the Sisters of St. Casimir, will retain its Catholic identity and continue to follow the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare. “The response to this opportunity has been overwhelmingly positive across our community,” Wayne M. Lerner, D.P.H., F.A.C.H.E. president and CEO said.

Holy Cross will be the fourth hospital in the Sinai Health System, joining Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Children’s Hospital and Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital. A final phase of due diligence will continue as regulatory reviews and approvals are completed. The process of Holy Cross Hospital joining Sinai Health System is expected to be completed on December 31, 2012.