Jefferson and Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania to Combine, Creating Integrated Academic Healthcare System
Jefferson and Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania have announced a definitive agreement to combine, creating a top-tier integrated academic healthcare delivery system. This merger will not only establish a national research university but also expand a not-for-profit health plan, making it one of the top 15 not-for-profit health systems in the United States.
The deal, expected to be finalized later this summer pending final reviews and execution of closing conditions, will see Jefferson CEO Joseph Cacchione continue to serve as CEO of the Jefferson enterprise. LVHN’s CEO Brian Nester will take on the role of executive vice president/chief operating officer of the Jefferson enterprise and president of the legacy Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Dr. Baligh R. Yehia will serve as executive vice president and chief transformation officer of the Jefferson enterprise and president of the legacy Jefferson Health. The integrated Board of Trustees and leadership team will consist of members from both systems.
Under the terms of the agreement, the combined system will integrate clinical care, operations, and identity, ultimately increasing access to high-quality and affordable care, clinical research, and health plan offerings. The integrated system will operate 30 hospitals and more than 700 sites of care, supported by over 65,000 employed faculty, clinicians, and staff.
This merger aims to address health inequities for urban and rural communities in Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, providing new educational opportunities for clinicians and expanding health plan access for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the combination will strengthen financial stability, allowing for investments in innovative technologies and better patient outcomes.
Both Jefferson and LVHN will continue to operate as independent entities until the combination is finalized. This partnership follows the initial announcement in December that the two organizations had signed a letter of intent to combine.
Dr. Joseph G. Cacchione, CEO of Jefferson, expressed excitement about the future of the combined organization, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to the communities served. Brian A. Nester, president and CEO of Lehigh Valley Health Network, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Jefferson as the ideal partner for their teams and patients.
The integration of these two healthcare systems signifies a significant step towards providing comprehensive and innovative care to patients in the region, promoting access, choice, innovation, and equity for all.