The boards of Washington (Pa.) Health System and Pittsburgh-based UPMC signed a letter of intent to negotiate a deal that would integrate WHS into UPMC.
The signing of the letter of intent means WHS and UPMC have agreed to conditions of affiliation. In the coming months, both entities will engage in due diligence, research and discussions to work towards a definitive agreement.
"Our primary focus is to ensure the residents of Washington and Greene Counties have local access to high-quality healthcare that is sustainable into the future," WHS President and CEO Brook Ward said in a June 20 news release. "We believe the best path forward is to affiliate with UPMC to achieve that goal. We currently have numerous clinical arrangements and joint ventures with UPMC, which have provided our patients with exceptional care over the years."
WHS and UPMC have partnered in several areas to improve patient care, including:
- A joint partnership in local cancer treatment, a collaboration with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and based at WHS Washington Hospital
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Express Care clinic and other specialty clinics, also on the campus of WHS Washington Hospital
- UPMC's Heart and Vascular Institute, which provides vascular surgery services throughout the communities WHS serves
- Onsite neonatal care provided at every birth by UPMC Children's
- Senior care, OB ultrasounds interpretation, telestroke and specialty pharmacy services
WHS Washington Hospital was also one of the original members of the UPMC Health Plan when it was launched 26 years ago. The proposed merger with UPMC would help ensure continued high-quality care for WHS patients, according to the health system.
"In today's healthcare environment, we need to consider the long-term stability of our health system," WHS Chair Dan Miller said. "With that goal, we are excited to be able to affiliate with UPMC, a premier integrated healthcare system, to continue our mission of great patient care."