WVU Health System and Independence Health System announce plan for Independence Health System to join WVU Medicine

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. and GREENSBURG, Pa., Nov. 19, 2025 – The West Virginia University Health System and Independence Health System announced today their intent for Independence Health System’s five hospitals – Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland Hospitals – along with its affiliated physician groups, and other subsidiaries to join the WVU Health System in the fall of 2026 and operate under the WVU Medicine brand.

As part of the agreement, the WVU Health System will commit $800 million over the next five years to modernize Independence Health System’s hospitals, including the Butler Memorial Hospital emergency room and the Westmoreland Hospital campus; grow clinical services; and expand access to high-quality care across the community it serves. The transaction is subject to customary state and federal regulatory reviews, as well as bondholder consent.

“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. 

“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. 

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.

“I am grateful to Ken, 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,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the West Virginia University Health System, said. 

“Today marks the beginning of what I’m confident will be an exciting and rewarding journey, one grounded in our shared commitment to our mission, our patients, and the communities we serve.”

Independence Health System serves a large community of more than 750,000 residents across 10 counties in Western Pennsylvania. The system includes five hospitals, 7,000 employees, and 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.”

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.”

Nationally recognized for its excellence in cardiology, orthopedics, and surgical services and committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care close to home, Independence Health System partnered with WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital in January 2025 to continue to enhance neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) services at Westmoreland Hospital for Westmoreland County’s most vulnerable patients.

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About Independence Health System

Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at Independence.Health.

About the WVU Health System  

The West Virginia University Health System is West Virginia’s largest health system and the state’s largest employer with more than 3,400 licensed beds, 4,600 providers, 35,000 employees, and $7 billion in total operating revenues. The Health System is comprised of 25 hospitals – including J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, an 880-bed academic medical center, and the 150-bed WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia – and five institutes. To learn more, visit WVUMedicine.org.