Independence Health System to Join WVU Health System in 2026

The planned combination would expand WVU Health System’s footprint to 30 hospitals and push its annual operating revenue above $8 billion.

Western Pennsylvania–based Independence Health System will join the West Virginia University (WVU) Health System in fall 2026, the two organizations announced Wednesday.

The planned combination would expand WVU Health System’s footprint to 30 hospitals and push its annual operating revenue above $8 billion.

The agreement remains subject to regulatory approvals and bondholder consent. It covers Independence’s five hospitals, employed physician groups, and all affiliated subsidiaries. Once finalized, the facilities will operate under the WVU Medicine brand.

As part of the deal, WVU Health System has committed to a five-year, $800 million capital investment aimed at expanding clinical services and modernizing infrastructure across Independence’s network. The announcement specifically highlights upgrades to the emergency department at Butler Memorial Hospital and redevelopment of the Westmoreland Hospital campus.

Independence Health System describes itself as the third-largest health system in western Pennsylvania, serving 10 counties and roughly 750,000 residents. Its combined hospitals offer 925 beds and employ nearly 7,000 staff members alongside a network of 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers.

Formed in 2023 through the merger of Excela Health and Butler Health System, Independence reported more than $1.2 billion in unrestricted revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, along with a $19.5 million operating loss. The organization also executed layoffs involving 151 employees earlier this year.

WVU Health System currently spans 25 hospitals, including the 880-bed J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. The academic health system employs 35,000 people and works with roughly 4,600 providers. It reported $6.8 billion in total operating revenue for fiscal 2024, generating $179.8 million in operating income. As of mid-2025, WVU Health System reported $102.8 million in operating income, exceeding internal expectations due to higher patient volumes.

Leaders from both systems say the planned combination is expected to expand specialty care access in western Pennsylvania, deliver financial efficiencies, and support coordinated population health management. Peak Health, WVU Health System’s insurance affiliate, is expected to play a role in future care coordination strategies.

Independence President and CEO Ken DeFurio said the organization looks forward to becoming part of a larger regional health network. WVU Health System President and CEO Albert L. Wright, Jr. acknowledged the system’s intent to sustain local hospital services as the deal progresses through its required approvals.

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