David Schreiner, President and CEO of KSB Hospital, said the name change is both a nod to the hospital’s history and a promise of continued dedication to the community. “This new name is a tribute to our legacy of service and represents a significant step forward as we join the OSF HealthCare family,” Schreiner said. “We are proud of our past and excited about the future as we continue our mission to provide exceptional care.”

The name change comes after the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved the hospital’s change of ownership to OSF HealthCare, a decision met with broad support from both staff and local residents. The new name, OSF Saint Katharine, not only honors the memory of Katherine Shaw Bethea but also incorporates the hospital’s mission to enhance health care access and quality for the community.

August Querciagrossa, Regional CEO of OSF HealthCare, expressed enthusiasm about the integration: “Welcoming KSB Hospital into the OSF HealthCare family is a profound honor. The new name symbolizes our commitment to carrying forward the values and high standards that KSB has long embodied, and it underscores our shared vision for the future of health care in the region.”

The new name will officially be unveiled this winter, and the hospital’s leadership invites the community to participate in this momentous change. The new name and logo are more than just a rebranding effort; they symbolize a recommitment to the compassionate, high-quality care that has defined KSB for over 125 years.

As KSB Hospital embarks on this new chapter, the spirit of its founding will continue to inspire its mission, ensuring that the dedication to health and service remains stronger than ever.

David Schreiner, President and CEO of KSB Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm for the transition: “We are thrilled to receive the state’s approval, solidifying our partnership with OSF HealthCare. This marks a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the quality of care that our community has come to expect. OSF’s commitment to our mission and values makes them the perfect partner to help us build on our legacy of excellence.”

The process to identify a suitable partner began earlier this year when the KSB Hospital Board of Directors decided to explore affiliation options to secure the hospital's future. After a thorough review and careful consideration, OSF HealthCare was chosen as the best fit for KSB Hospital, a decision met with strong support from both staff and the community.

August Querciagrossa, Regional CEO of OSF HealthCare, shared his excitement about the new partnership: “We are honored to welcome KSB Hospital into the OSF HealthCare family. Our shared commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care will guide us as we work together to serve the Sauk Valley community. We look forward to building on the strong foundation established by KSB and achieving new milestones in patient care.”

As the transition moves forward, KSB Hospital and OSF HealthCare will collaborate closely to ensure a seamless integration, focusing on maintaining the high standards of care that KSB has always delivered. The community can expect to see enhanced services and continued investments in local health care, reflecting both organizations’ dedication to meeting the needs of the people they serve.

OSF HealthCare and Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital (KSB Hospital) have entered into exclusive negotiations, anticipating a full merger. A term sheet has been signed, and the two organizations will spend the next several months finalizing agreements and seeking the necessary regulatory approvals.

KSB Hospital conducted a thorough and comprehensive search before selecting OSF HealthCare as its partner. The rigorous process spanned several months, with numerous options considered. The resulting agreement includes $40 million in funding to support facility renovations, improve access to care locally, and create seamless referrals to subspecialties. Education, including the well-regarded residency programs at KSB Hospital, is also a key component of the agreement.

“As health care continues to evolve, we are responsible for ensuring that we are planning for the future. The challenge of being a standalone, rural hospital in today’s financial environment, was an important element in our board’s consideration,” said David Schreiner, PhD, President/Chief Executive Officer, KSB Hospital. “OSF HealthCare shares our deep commitment to caring for the health of rural communities and has demonstrated innovative ways to transform health care for the benefit of all people they serve.”

“Both KSB and OSF have long histories of serving the health and wellness needs of their communities,” emphasized Robert Sehring, Chief Executive Officer, OSF HealthCare. “Together, we will ensure continued quality and compassionate health care for the Dixon community and greater Sauk Valley region.” Sehring also shared that the health system looks forward to welcoming KSB practitioners and employees. “We appreciate that the process of selecting a new partner has created some degree of uncertainty for the employees of KSB and hope that they now feel reassured that the hospital will continue to serve the patients of the Sauk Valley communities well into the future,” Sehring said.

When the merger is finalized, a local community advisory council will be established to provide advice and counsel to hospital management and OSF. The council will focus on insight, guidance, and the development of local strategies, in addition to providing feedback on the management of local facilities. Upgrades to technology and expanded digital care offerings are other innovations the organizations intend to provide.

KSB Hospital was established in the late 1800s as an independent nonprofit organization. KSB has 900 employees and 91 practitioners and provides specialty care at six locations in Lee and Ogle counties.

Additional information will be shared as the merger details are finalized.