Washington Health System (WHS) has officially merged with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), effective as of 1 June 2024.
This integration aims to enhance patient care services in Washington, Greene, as well as other surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, US.
The affiliation agreement was announced in June last year and reviewed by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.
Attorney General Michelle Henry recently confirmed that an agreement had been reached to maintain affordable healthcare access in connection with UPMC's acquisition of Washington Health Care Services, ensuring compliance with Commonwealth laws and safeguarding public interests.
UPMC has now pledged to invest a minimum of $300m over the next ten years to improve clinical services and facilities at the merged entity, UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene.
This investment, along with contributions from the WHS Foundation, aims to ensure that UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene can deliver healthcare services for residents of Washington and Greene counties for the foreseeable future.
Long-standing clinical collaborations between WHS and UPMC in various specialities, including paediatrics, oncology, heart and vascular care, and women's health, have provided treatment for more than 10,000 patients annually.
UPMC said it will continue to advance all these key services, focusing on a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services such as primary care, emergency care, women’s health, surgical services, cardiology and diagnostics.
The governance of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene will include a local board of directors, comprising 11 legacy WHS board members and five new appointees from UPMC.
The affiliation will not alter in-network access for community members, with existing contracts with insurers being honoured, the organisations noted.
UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene president Brook Ward said: “This affiliation protects the vitality of an essential community asset and solidifies a healthy future for Washington and Greene counties for generations to come.
“Our focus is on ensuring residents have access to life-saving services and advanced care that is sustainable into the future and preserving jobs of our talented health care workers.”
