Lehigh Valley Health Network, Philly-based Jefferson planning to combine

Lehigh Valley Health Network intends to merge with Jefferson Health, the two health care systems announced Tuesday morning.

The organizations “have signed a non-binding letter of intent” and the deal is pending regulatory approval.

“The parties expect to sign a definitive agreement and close the transaction in 2024, pending completion of all necessary regulatory reviews and closing conditions,” LVHN and Jefferson said in news releases.

Together, “the combined system would operate 30 hospitals and more than 700 sites of care, supported by more than 62,000 employed faculty, clinicians and staff.”

If approved, Jefferson CEO Dr. Joseph G. Cacchione will become CEO of the “Jefferson Enterprise” while LVHN President and CEO Dr. Brian A. Nester will become the executive vice president/chief operating officer as well as president of the “legacy Lehigh Valley Health Network.”

“We are thrilled to be combining with Jefferson and excited about the immediate and long-term benefits this combination will create for the communities of the Lehigh Valley and eastern Pennsylvania,” Nester said.

LVHN has 13 hospitals, including one in East Stroudsburg, as well as 29 health centers, 20 ExpressCARE locations and more than 300 physician practices.

Jefferson, which serves the Philadelphia area and southern New Jersey, has 17 hospitals and more than 50 outpatient and urgent care locations.

LVHN acquired Coordinated Health in 2019.

Kathryne Rubright is the managing editor of the Pocono Record and the Tri-County Independent. Reach her at krubright@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Lehigh Valley Health Network, Jefferson planning to combine