Pocono Health System, East Stroudsburg, Pa., and Lehigh Valley Health Network, based in Allentown, Pa., announced last week that they have signed a merger agreement expected to close in the first half of 2016. The systems signed a letter of intent in May.
The merger will lead to the creation of new facilities, services and programs, according to a news release.
“It will bring continued growth and expansion in healthcare services for (area) residents, providing them greater access to the highest-quality clinical care, the most sophisticated technology and advanced health records systems, and the largest and most experienced physician network in the area,” Jeff Snyder, president and CEO of Pocono Health System, said in the release.
Also, the merger agreement calls for the two systems to collaborate on the creation of a new hospital in Tannersville, Pocono Township to be called Pocono Medical Center West. The facility will include ambulatory health centers and clinical services, and will increase patients' access to primary-care physicians and specialists, according to the systems.
Pocono and Lehigh have collaborated on other projects, like enhancing a trauma center, cancer treatment facilities and other services for a community safety program in Monroe County, which includes Pocono Township.
