Jefferson officially merges with Lehigh Valley Health Network

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Experts say the merger of Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health and Allentown-based Lehigh Valley Health Network could create one of the 15 largest healthcare networks in the country, according to Becker’s Hospital Review .

In a statement, Dr. Brian Nestor, chief operating officer of the network, said the merger will expand the capacity for both networks to serve their communities.

“Our combination will enhance access and elevate service by bringing more specialists, locations, expertise, research and education to the patients and communities we serve,” read the statement.

Dr. Joseph Cacchione, CEO of Jefferson, said the merger “marks a new chapter in access, innovation, equity and opportunity for patients, students and health plan members.”

Plans for the merger were announced back in December of 2023, an agreement was signed in May, and federal regulators just approved that agreement at the end of July.

The deal creates a massive network with 32 hospitals, more than 700 facilities, with more than 10,000 medical practitioners and more than 13,000 nurses.

In total, both networks employ some 65,000 people and officials announced no job cuts as a result of the merger.