Palmer Lutheran Health Center & Gundersen create local healthcare system

July 1 will mark an important milestone for Gundersen Health System and Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union. That is when the two organizations will combine efforts under the new name Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics.

"We have had a long relationship with Palmer Lutheran and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to build on that with a more formal partnership," says Bryan Erdmann, MHA, FABC, Gundersen vice president. "This will create an integrated healthcare system for people living in Fayette, Postville and West Union and the surrounding communities, and will solidify the great care they have come to expect from both organizations."

As part of the integration, Palmer Lutheran Health Center and Gundersen’s West Union, Fayette and Postville Clinics will consolidate under common leadership and the Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics name. In 2015, in advance of the integration, four representatives from Gundersen joined Palmer Lutheran’s Board of Directors. Previously, Gundersen occupied no seats on the board.

"We’re pleased to take our relationship with Gundersen to the next level and advance the care we provide," shares Tanya Tysland, BS, MBA, DM, chief executive officer, Palmer Lutheran Health Center. "Gundersen is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare, and strengthening our relationship will mean good things for our patients and the communities we serve for years to come."

"Strong regional hospital and clinic partnerships are essential for Gundersen to be a regional healthcare leader. This strengthened partnership will allow us to continue our mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve," Erdmann adds.

Palmer Lutheran is one of Gundersen’s four regional centers. The other three are Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics in Hillsboro, Wis., Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics in Whitehall, Wis., and Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics in Boscobel, Wis.