MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Health System and Pennsylvania-based Independence Health System have announced plans to merge, bringing five hospitals into the system—Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland hospitals.
The plans include doctors and other subsidiaries and will operate fully under the WVU Medicine brand in the fall of 2026.
The agreement includes an $800 million investment by the WVU Health System over the next five years to modernize the hospitals, according to WVU Medicine President and CEO Albert Wright.
Modernization plans include the Butler Memorial Hospital emergency room and the Westmoreland Hospital campus, growing clinical services, and expanding access to high-quality care as they do in other acquisitions.
“I’m very impressed with the leaders in place, both administrative leaders and physician leaders at the Independence Health System,” Wright said. “I think they’re going to help us get better and I think we’re going to help them get better in the Pennsylvania communities they serve.”
“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 of Independence Health System, said.
“We are excited to make this announcement today in partnership with WVU Medicine and even more 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.”
By joining the WVU Health System, Independence Health System will benefit from the scale, expertise, and infrastructure of a leading regional academic health system while maintaining its strong community focus.
“I think it’s a natural extension of what we do, and quite honestly, I think it’s flattering that these folks recognize the job we’re doing at WVU Medicine and chose us as a partner,” Wright said.
The integration will expand clinical services and specialty access, strengthen financial sustainability through shared capital resourcing and efficient operations, and enhance patient outcomes through coordinated population health strategies through Peak Health, the WVU Health System’s affiliated health insurance organization.
The Independence Health System operates in a community of 750,000 residents across 10 counties in Western Pennsylvania. The five hospitals employ 7,000 workers that make up a network of more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice 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.
“Together, we can build on that solid foundation and expand the reach of exceptional care throughout the region.”
The partnership, like the one we announced today, gives us access to about 750,000 more patients that now, for higher-level, low-volume services, can start coming to Morgantown,” Wright said.
Paul Bacharach, chair of the Independence Health System Board of Directors, added, “WVU Medicine has clearly demonstrated to us that they are committed to high-quality community health, with services available and accessible locally. Our vote to proceed with WVU Medicine reflects our strong belief that this affiliation honors our legacy and positions our hospitals for innovation, stability, and growth.”
“We’re going to work on that definitive agreement and all of our approvals with the hope and intention of them joining our health system on or
about October 1, 2026,” Wright said.