The potential merger of Iroquois Memorial Hospital (IMH) and Riverside Healthcare is a No-go.

The two organizations jointly announced today (Wednesday) that the potential merger has been called off.

Riverside and IMH entered into the due diligence process last September to explore the possibility of a merger. That process now completed, the two healthcare organizations will move forward separately.

Carl Maronich is Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Riverside said confidentiality limits what we say, but "we did go through the due diligence process and decided not to move forward.

"We continue to provide care as always. We're committed and so is IMH," Maronich adds.

In a prepared news release, Riverside President & CEO Phil Kambic also states “with our campus in Watseka and Gilman, we’re committed to meet the healthcare needs of the region.” Kambic said Riverside will “continue to work with IMH officials to ensure we are serving the community in a most efficient way.”

IMH Board Chairman Roger Dittrich said “serving the healthcare needs of Watseka and Iroquois County for over 100 years has always been a top priority for IMH.” He said “we will always put the needs of the community first and honor our commitment to the patients we serve.”

94.1 WGFA