Independence Health System's hospitals, including Butler Memorial, along with its physician groups will merge with the WVU Health System in the fall of 2026.
At a news conference, it was announced the WVU Health System will invest $800 million to modernize Independence hospitals, grow clinical services and expand access to care.
“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,” Ken DeFurio, president and CEO, Independence Health System, said.
Independence Health System is in 10 counties in Western PA and currently includes five hospitals, 7,000 employees and over has over 1,000 doctors and care providers.
“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,” Michael T. Benson, president of West Virginia University and chair of the WVU Health System Board of Directors, said.