Washington Health System is merging with University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
WHS announced the merger after signing a non-binding letter of intent to integrate WHS into UPMC.
According to WHS officials, the merger will expand local access to high-quality health care for patients in Washington and Greene counties, according to the Observer-Reporter.
“Our primary focus is to ensure the residents of Washington and Greene counties have local access to high-quality health care that is sustainable into the future,” said Brook Ward, president and CEO of WHS. “After careful consideration and analysis, we believe the best path forward is to affiliate with UPMC to achieve that goal.”
In a statement, WHS said its board of directors voted unanimously on June 1 to pursue affiliation discussions with UPMC.
Ward said the decision comes with mixed emotions.
“We’ve got a long legacy, 126 years of serving the community, and you don’t want that to change, but at the same time, I’m confident that with this move, we’ll be around for another 126 years,” said Ward.
Following the merger, Washington Hospital will be called UPMC Washington and WHS Greene will become UPMC Greene.
After determining last year that it was not feasible to remain independent, the WHS board of directors in December submitted a request for proposals to affiliate with a larger health care provider that could enhance the services and clinical offerings of WHS. Read more.
