Helena-based St. Peters Health and Billings Clinic-Logan Health are exploring ways to expand the organizations’ partnership, representatives from both healthcare systems said Tuesday.  

Leaders from the two organizations are moving ahead with a letter of intent to formalize the revamped relationship. The move is expected to strengthen and expand healthcare services in the region and is not a merger or acquisition, representatives from both organizations said in a July 14 statement.  

Officials estimate the assessment process will run six to nine months. Additional details will be shared with organizations’ personnel and patients as well as members of the community as they become available. Opportunities for feedback will also be made available, officials said.  

Early discussions have focused on collaborating on clinical services, workforce development, operational efficiencies, technology, purchasing and other strategic initiatives to enhance and expand care offerings.  

“In today's healthcare environment, partnering is essential for improving access to care when there’s limited clinical resources," St. Peter’s Health CEO Wade Johnson said in a statement. “We believe Montana’s independent health systems can be stronger by working together for our patients.” 

St. Peter’s Health has served as the only Helena-area community hospital for over 140 years. The organization operates a 123-bed acute care hospital, physician clinics, cancer treatment center, behavioral health unit, urgent care clinics, home health and hospice care, dialysis center and ambulance services. The healthcare system serves the Helena region and southwest Montana counties of Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson, Meagher and Powell, with a combined population of about 97,000.  

Collaboration and successful partnerships with community organizations have long been a focus of St. Peter’s mission, officials said.  

BILLINGS CLINIC-Logan Health merged in September 2023, creating a unified nonprofit healthcare organization spanning 25 communities across northern Wyoming, the western Dakotas and large swaths of Montana.  

A release from August 2023 outlined goals for the merger, including improving quality, safety and service, expanding the breadth of primary and specialty care and providing an inter-connected rural trauma and emergency transport program, along with goals associated with expanding mental healthcare and reaching underserved populations.  

The formal partnership between Billings Clinic-Logan Health and St. Peters Health includes similar goals.  

Billings Clinic-Logan Health CEO Dr. Clint Seger said in a statement that they can build on their collective strengths together.  

“At the heart of these conversations is a shared mission and belief that healthcare decisions should remain rooted in the communities we serve,” said Seger.  

Leaders from St. Peters Health and Billings Clinic said that the exploration process is focused on creating long-term benefits for patients, caregivers, physicians and communities while preserving each health system's commitment to local stewardship. 

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4440 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.