West Virginia University Health System will invest $800 million to modernize Independence Health System after the Western Pennsylvania system becomes a part of the sizable West Virginia system next year.

The systems announced jointly at a Wednesday, Nov. 19, news conference that Independence Health System’s five hospitals, physician groups and other subsidiaries, would join the WVU Health System in fall 2026.

“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, which includes Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals.

The largest health system and largest private employer in West

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