Memorial, Elkhart General merge into Beacon

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Clinical services in Michiana saw a change this afternoon as Memorial Hospital and Elkhart General merged to form one health care system.

Beacon Health Services is the name of the new organization.

By combining resources the  two groups are hoping it'll help raise patient access to care and programs.

"This is an opportunity to get the very, very best into our communities, that are locally-owned, locally-controlled, healthcare service delivery and do that in a way that is cost effective," Philip A. Newbold, CEO.

The merge has been in the works for six months. Newbold says it will take another year or so to work out all the details.