(OMAHA, NE) – The partnership between Alegent Health and Creighton University will be reflected in hospitals and clinics across the region. Effective Sept. 1, a new name prompted by Alegent and Creighton's strategic affiliation, solidifies the partnership that is built on their shared faith-based Missions.

"This was a very big decision supported by research and based on our patients' and communities' expectations," said Richard A. Hachten II, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Alegent Health. "The reason Alegent and Creighton are coming together is for our community, so what they think is important."

"As the new names reflect, these new healthcare entities will further the Missions of both faith-based organizations by improving local healthcare and transforming medical education for the benefit of physicians, students and the communities we serve," said Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., president of Creighton University.

The new name was approved by the Alegent Health Board of Directors and filed with the State of Nebraska on Aug. 2. That filing marks the beginning of the last stage of the acquisition and affiliation process. Alegent is on track to "close" on the acquisition of Creighton University Medical Center (CUMC), the long-term strategic affiliation with Creighton University and the academic affiliation that will make Alegent hospitals and clinics the primary teaching sites for the schools of health sciences.

As part of the strategic affiliation, Creighton University's physician practice, Creighton Medical Associates (CMA), will become part of Alegent Health Clinic. On Sept. 1, the new physician group will be named:

"This new name personifies what this new physician practice will be – a multi-specialty clinic that offers physicians the best place to practice medicine, our staff the best place to care for patients, students the best place to learn and our community the best patient experience," said Rick Rolston, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Alegent Health Clinic."That is our goal every day." As with the Clinic, the system's new name will go into effect on Sept. 1, the same day that Alegent is expected to assume operations of CUMC and CMA.

Alegent is working closely with Creighton and with Tenet Healthcare, which is the majority owner of CUMC, to welcome employees and help them feel comfortable with their transition into Alegent.

"We recognize that change can be stressful, so it is very important to us that our new employees feel welcomed into Alegent Health," said Hachten."

"This affiliation is the most significant event to occur in our health sciences programs in perhaps the entire history of the University. It has been extremely gratifying to see the support that members of Alegent and Creighton have shown for one another during this transition," said Fr. Lannon.

Alegent and Creighton announced their expanded affiliation on April 24 and have been working diligently toward finalizing the transition by Sept. 1.

About Alegent Health
With a commitment to providing high-quality care and an exceptional patient experience, Alegent Health physicians and employees are focused on caring for the body, mind and spirit of every person. Patients find a continuum of care at Alegent Health, from primary care through geriatrics. Sponsored by Catholic Health Initiatives and Immanuel, Alegent Health is a not-for-profit, faith-based healthcare provider serving Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) is a national, faith-based provider with deep roots in our community. CHI owns and operates more than 70 healthcare facilities across the United States. Immanuel is a locally faith-based provider of services for seniors. For more information, visit www.alegent.com.

About Creighton University
Creighton University, a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic institution, was founded in 1878 in Omaha, Neb. The University enrolls more than 4,200 undergraduate and 3,500 professional school and graduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, Graduate School, University College and Schools of Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy and Health Professions.

The Creighton University School of Medicine has been teaching tomorrow's doctors since 1892. In the Jesuit, Catholic tradition of caring for the whole person – mind, body and spirit – the school is committed to providing excellent patient care and preparing future doctors for the medical challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in patient care, teaching and research. Creighton Medical Associates (CMA) is the academic, multispecialty faculty group supporting the clinical and academic missions of Creighton University School of Medicine. For more information, visit www.creighton.edu.