Jefferson and LVHN finalize merger

It’s official. After receiving regulatory approval, Lehigh Valley Health Network has merged into Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health. 

The merger, officially announced Thursday, will create the 15th largest health network in the nation. 

“We are delighted to bring these two incredible organizations together as we look ahead at all the good we will do for the communities we’re privileged to serve,” said Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, CEO of Jefferson. “This milestone is even more significant as Jefferson celebrates its bicentennial, marking our longstanding commitment to improving lives through education, health care and discovery. “ 

 Cacchione called it an historic moment for the networks’ 65,000 colleagues.  

“It marks a new chapter in access, innovation, equity, and opportunity for patients, students and health plan members. We have many more milestones ahead as we share knowledge and integrate our operations,” he said    

“As health care continues to rapidly evolve, two leading health care organizations are forging ahead to build a bright future for health care in our communities,” said Brian A. Nester, DO, who is now serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Jefferson enterprise with oversight of the legacy Lehigh Valley Health Network, reporting to Dr. Cacchione. “Our combination will enhance access and elevate service by bringing more specialists, locations, expertise, research and education to the patients and communities we serve.” 

 Cacchione will continue to serve as CEO of the Jefferson enterprise. He is joined on the leadership team by Baligh R. Yehia, who will serve as president of the legacy Jefferson Health and executive vice president/chief transformation officer of the Jefferson enterprise. The newly integrated Board of Trustees and leadership team is comprised of members from both systems.    

Combined, the health system will have 32 hospital campuses, 700 care sites and more than 10,000 physicians and clinicians. 

In making the announcement, hospital officials said the combination will increase patient access to high-quality and affordable care, clinical trials and health plan offerings while addressing health inequities for urban and rural communities in eastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. 

Lehigh Valley Health Network patients will continue to see their regular care providers but will have expanded access to services through the Jefferson network. 

While an official name change hasn’t yet been determined, Lehigh Valley Health Network will initially be referred to as “Lehigh Valley Health Network, proudly part of Jefferson Health.”  

Eventually, Lehigh Valley Health Network will incorporate Jefferson into its naming conventions the network said on its website. 

Jefferson and LVHN announced in December that they had signed a letter of intent to combine, and they reached a tentative agreement earlier this year.