Washington Health System is the latest independent hospital system to engage in talks with larger hospital networks, which could result in an acquisition or expanded partnership with the smaller Washington County network.
Three people with knowledge of the negotiations, but who were not authorized to speak publicly about them, confirmed to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that WHS was involved in merger negotiations with Highmark Health and other larger medical systems.
When asked about the reports of merger negotiations, Highmark spokesman Dan Laurent said in a statement that “we are routinely engaging in discussions with independent providers in the region about how we can work together to better meet the health care needs of the community.” He declined further comment.
UPMC, which has ties to Washington Health System, declined to comment on the WHS talks, as did WHS officials. Read more.
