by
Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | December 08, 2025
The hospitals of Independence Health System: (top row, left to right) Clarion and Butler Memorial; (bottom row, left to right) Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland
The West Virginia University Health System has announced plans to acquire Independence Health System, a move expected to bring five western Pennsylvania hospitals under the WVU Medicine brand by fall 2026.
Under the proposed agreement, the Morgantown, West Virginia-based WVU Health System would absorb Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland Hospitals, along with Independence’s affiliated physician groups and other assets. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and bondholder consent.
As part of the deal, WVU Health System has committed $800 million over five years to modernize facilities and expand clinical services within the Independence network. Planned investments include upgrades to the Butler Memorial emergency department and the Westmoreland Hospital campus.
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“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,” said Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of Independence Health System.
The Greensburg, Pennsylvania-based Independence Health System serves a regional population of 750,000 across 10 counties and employs about 7,000 staff, including more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers.
Albert L. Wright Jr., president and CEO of WVU Health System, said the partnership aims to preserve community care while leveraging the resources of a larger academic system. “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,” Wright said.
WVU Health System operates 25 hospitals and employs over 35,000 people. The health system also oversees Peak Health, an affiliated insurance organization that may support population health initiatives as part of the integration.
Michael T. Benson, president of West Virginia University and chair of the WVU Health System board, said the affiliation is grounded in shared priorities: “Together, we can build on that solid foundation and expand the reach of exceptional care throughout the region.”
