Rush University System for Health and Endeavor Health announced plans Wednesday, Oct. 14, to merge their Chicago-area operations, creating one of Illinois’ largest health systems. The agreement would bring 12 hospitals, 400 clinics and about 46,000 employees under a system that will operate as Rush. The merger is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory review and approval. Under the proposed arrangement, Endeavor President and CEO Gerald “JP” Gallagher would lead the combined system. A 20-member board would have equal representation from Rush and Endeavor. Endeavor has committed $1 billion to the new system. The organizations said a significant portion would go toward community partnerships, academic and research initiatives, care innovation and efforts to address health disparities. They also say the expanded footprint is intended to improve access to care across Chicago and the suburbs. Rush President and CEO Dr. Omar Lateef said the combined system would build on Rush’s work on Chicago’s West Side and extend its reach to more communities. Endeavor’s Gallagher said patients could benefit from improved access, research and high-quality care closer to home. Rush has three area hospitals: Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Rush Oak Park Hospital and Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora. Endeavor operates nine hospitals in communities including Naperville, Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, Arlington Heights, Skokie and Chicago. Endeavor formed in 2022 through the combination of North Shore University Health System and Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare.