Lehigh Valley Health Network, one of the region’s largest employers, is now part of Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health. 
The new system is among the top 15 not-for-profit health systems in the U.S. It has a staff of 65,000 at 32 hospitals and more than 700 sites of care. The partnership will increase patient access to high-quality and affordable care, clinical research, and health plan offerings while addressing health inequities in eastern Pennsylvania, system officials said in a statement on Aug. 1, when they signed the agreement.
With superior healthcare being a key asset to the Lehigh Valley’s exceptional quality of life, and with healthcare being the largest employment sector in the region, it’s natural for there to be questions about how the merger might change the healthcare landscape.
The system will have an integrated Board of Trustees and leadership team. Officials have said money raised by Lehigh Valley Health Network will stay in the Lehigh Valley, and the Lehigh Valley brand will remain in some capacity as well.
Ed Dougherty, the chair of the Board of Directors of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC), is Senior Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer at Lehigh Valley Health Network. He participated in a Q&A with LVEDC about the merger.
Health care is a quality-of-life factor that people consider when moving to a region. How will this merger impact quality of life in the Lehigh Valley?
The combination of two world-class health care institutions allows us to set the course for care in the region by launching new clinical programs, advancing health equity, and building healthier communities. When a community provides access to high-quality health care, it attracts new businesses to the region because they can recruit talent searching for a high quality of life. This results in economic development, growth, and opportunity for everyone who calls the region home.
Health care is the largest employment sector in the Lehigh Valley, and LVHN is one of the largest single employers. Will the merger with Jefferson reduce or increase employment at LVHN?
Dedicated colleagues are and will continue to be essential for the organization’s future success and growth. As we go through the integration planning process, we will identify synergies and opportunities to strengthen and complement each other, which may include the alignment of staff to support service offerings and strategic initiatives. Those details are still being worked through as part of the integration planning process.
In recent years, LVHN has announced or completed several medical facilities that put access to health care closer to neighborhoods. Will the merger change that strategy?
Investments designed to enhance convenient access to quality care will continue to be made in the regions LVHN serves. These investments include more neighborhood hospitals, Hanover Hill Behavioral Health (a three-story, 144-bed behavioral health hospital being built in Hanover Township, Pa.), and new programs and services. Our new neighborhood hospitals have been well received due to the great experience and convenience they provide their communities.
What resources does Jefferson have that can improve care in the Lehigh Valley and what does LVHN offer to Jefferson?
By combining the strengths of LVHN’s health institutes, children’s hospital, and research capabilities with the strengths of Jefferson’s neuroscience, cancer, organ transplant, and other specialty services, we will provide – and help people conveniently and seamlessly access – the highest-quality, expert care they need and deserve. Additionally, the addition of the Jefferson Health Plan provides added resources to help plan members receive their care close to home.
Jefferson owns Thomas Jefferson University, home to the respected Sidney Kimmel Medical College. Will the merger have an effect on drawing talent into the Lehigh Valley?
Jefferson and LVHN will work together to recruit and retain the best and brightest clinicians. LVHN has a long tradition of providing superb medical education and resident/fellow training. Jefferson’s medical education programs are among the best of the best in the country. Combining Jefferson’s medical education strengths with LVHN’s history and culture will attract talented people here at home and from around the country. We will offer them opportunities to advance their careers while providing exceptional care and exemplifying our unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Will there be more access to clinical training opportunities?
The expanded organization will offer current and future clinicians new educational and development opportunities across its larger service areas and will build its position as a world-class medical institution to recruit the best and brightest clinicians.
Will there be more opportunities for patients to participate in research?
LVHN participates in hundreds of clinical trials. By combining with Jefferson, especially its NCI designated comprehensive cancer center and leading neuroscience institute, over time community members will have more options to access clinical trials. Patients will benefit from continuous research that translates to groundbreaking clinical trials, improving treatment outcomes.
Will patients notice changes in the continuity of their care, such as new physicians or specialists?
Patients’ care and appointments remain unchanged. They do not need to contact their physician or make any changes in their care plan. Patients should attend all scheduled appointments as planned.
Will the merger increase opportunities for patients to choose among multiple health care providers within LVHN’s service area, specifically for at-risk populations?
LVHN will continue to provide world-class care close to home, leveraging the collaboration and expertise of both organizations. Patients will continue to see their physicians and receive care in their community and, over time, will have access to a broader network of specialists when needed.
(Photos courtesy of Lehigh Valley Health Network)