Highland Park Hospital would be rebranded under the Rush name under a proposed merger between Endeavor Health and Rush University System for Health.
The two systems announced the deal on Wednesday, Oct. 14. If approved by state and federal regulators, it would create a 12-hospital network with more than 46,000 employees and nearly $11 billion in combined revenue, first reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Highland Park Hospital is the only one of the 12 hospitals in Lake County, according to Lake McHenry Scanner. Endeavor also operates an immediate care center in Lake Bluff.
Under the deal, all Endeavor hospitals would add "Rush" to their names, and the Endeavor brand would be phased out over time. Each hospital would keep its location in its name, the Tribune reported. A spokesperson for the two systems said patients would continue seeing the same doctors at the same locations without changes to insurance coverage.
Endeavor Health President and CEO J.P. Gallagher said the merged system would likely open more outpatient locations. Rush President and CEO Dr. Omar Lateef told the Tribune the systems are merging to grow.
"We expect jobs to increase," Lateef said.
Endeavor would contribute $1 billion from its endowment to the combined system. That includes $300 million to reduce health care disparities, $500 million for Rush University to expand research and clinical trials, and $200 million for quality and care improvements, the Tribune reported.
Gallagher would lead the combined system as president and CEO. Lateef would stay in his role through the close of the deal and then serve as CEO emeritus and strategic advisor.
The deal requires approval from state and federal regulators, who will evaluate whether the merger could reduce competition or raise prices. Gallagher said the systems have already begun talking with regulators and he expects the deal to close in early 2027.
Not everyone supports the plan. Brenda Langford, a board member of the National Nurses Organizing Committee and a Chicago registered nurse, said in a statement that hospital mergers lead to higher prices and service cuts, according to WTTW. The nurses' union represents 2,000 nurses at Rush University Medical Center.
Endeavor has faced regulatory hurdles before. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) blocked a planned merger between NorthShore University HealthSystem, Endeavor's former name, and Advocate Health Care. A federal judge ruled in the FTC's favor in March 2017, and the two systems abandoned the deal.
Both systems have posted positive operating margins this year, according to financial statements cited by the Tribune. Endeavor had recorded operating losses of $494 million in 2024 and $33.9 million in 2025. Much of the 2024 loss stemmed from up to $453 million in settlement expenses tied to allegations that a former doctor in the system sexually abused patients.
Gallagher said those earlier losses did not motivate the merger. A 20-member board with equal representation from both systems would govern the combined organization, with a chair appointed from Rush.
