Independence Health announces merger with WVU medicine

Independence Health System, with hospitals in Greensburg, Latrobe and Mt. Pleasant, announced Wednesday that it will join West Virginia University Health System beginning in fall 2026.

The groups said at a news conference at Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg that as part of the agreement, the WVU Health System will commit $800 million over five years to strengthen and modernize Independence Health System’s five hospitals and affiliated physician groups across Western Pennsylvania.

The investment is earmarked for hospital modernization projects, including the Butler Memorial Hospital emergency room and the Westmoreland Hospital campus, as well as expanding clinical services and improving access to high-quality care throughout the community.

The hospitals involved in the transition are Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals.

This move is subject to state and federal regulatory reviews and bondholder consent. Upon completion, the integration is expected to benefit the combined system through expanded clinical services, enhanced financial stability via shared capital, and improved patient outcomes, the health systems said.

Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of Independence Health System, hailed the decision as a pivotal moment for his organization.

“This is a transformational moment for our organization as we take this first, critical step toward building a new future with a nearby health system that shares our values and is community focused,” DeFurio said. “We are excited to have our organization become part of a progressive and innovative health system that has a proven track record in making deep investments in its people, clinical programs, and infrastructure.”

The $800 million commitment signals WVU Health System’s dedication to maintaining community hospitals, leaders said.

“I am grateful to Ken (DeFurio), his leadership team and the Independence Health System board for the trust they are placing in us to ensure their five hospitals continue to serve as community pillars and beacons of hope for generations to come,” stated Albert L. Wright Jr., president and CEO of the West Virginia University Health System.

By joining the WVU Health System — one of the largest in West Virginia — Independence Health System, which employs 7,000 staff and serves more than 750,000 residents across 10 Western Pennsylvania counties, will gain the scale and expertise of a leading regional academic health system while retaining its strong community focus, the groups said.

Michael Benson, president of West Virginia University and chair of the WVU Health System Board of Directors, emphasized the shared commitment to patient care.

“Today’s announcement marks the start of a new chapter built on shared values, deep respect and admiration for the work already being done, and a mutual commitment to the patients and families who depend on these hospitals every day,” Benson said. “Together, we can build on that solid foundation and expand the reach of exceptional care throughout the region.”

Paul Bacharach, chair of the Independence Health System board of directors, noted that the affiliation will position the hospitals for stability and growth.

The announcement builds on a previous partnership, as Independence Health System partnered with WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital in January 2025 to enhance neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) services at Westmoreland Hospital.

Further details on the transaction and its impact on regional health care access are expected as the transition moves toward its fall 2026 target date, the groups said.

This story will be updated.