![]() ![]() Paul Wood, a UPMC spokesman said, “UPMC looks forward to pursuing this affiliation that would integrate WHS into the UPMC system and preserve and enhance high-quality health care services for communities served by WHS. UPMC and rival Allegheny Health Network were among the suitors. In late 2022, the hospital board requested proposals to affiliate with a larger health care provider. Ward said the health care system looked for ways to continue operating independently, but didn’t see “low-hanging fruit” to reduce costs within the organization. Then you add into the mix the pandemic, workforce issues, inflation, and it is just accelerated.” “We’re seeing a downward trend in the financial viability of health care organizations across the board. ![]() “Even before the pandemic, the economics of health care, particularly for hospitals, are extremely tough,” he said. In a subsequent interview with the Tribune-Review on Tuesday, Ward said financial concerns common across the health care sector weighed on WHS. “We currently have numerous clinical arrangements and joint ventures with UPMC, which have provided our patients with exceptional care over the years.” “After careful consideration and analysis, we believe the best path forward is to affiliate with UPMC to achieve that goal,” Ward added. “Our primary focus is to ensure the residents of Washington and Greene Counties have local access to high-quality health care that is sustainable into the future,” Brook Ward, president and CEO of WHS, said in a statement. WHS announced the deal on Tuesday, saying the two health care providers have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to integrate the Washington-based health system into UPMC. UPMC is acquiring Washington Health System, adding to the Pittsburgh health care giant’s massive footprint. ![]()
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