WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) — Washington's mayor is expressing support for a potential merger between Washington Health System and UPMC.
A hospital CEO described a dire situation: merger Otherwise, it will be forced to close, and Mayor Jojo Burgess agrees. He said the hospital has found willing participants to work with UPMC and no one should stand in its way.
“We have to support this type of merger because if we don't, I'm convinced there won't be a Washington Health System within a few years,” Burgess said.
Washington Health System is a major employer for people living in Washington County, employing thousands of people. In late 2022, the hospital's CEO said it was suffering millions of dollars in losses and could ultimately move to a larger provider that could keep its doors open. announced that it would submit a request for proposals for partnership.
In June, WHS' board of directors voted unanimously to accept a 10-year contract with UPMC that includes a $300 million investment, retaining all 2,700 employees and services.
“How do you say no to that? Why do you say no to that?” Burgess said. “Measures have been taken to ensure that everything that is documented and on paper is followed so that residents do not lose care or services while this merger takes place. I understand that there are.”
The attorney general's office must approve the deal, but Washington Health System CEO Brooke Ward called it material because of increased spending coupled with decreased revenue. It states that there is.
“That means 250,000 people in our county and 30,000 people in Greene County will lose access to health care and 2,700 people will lose their jobs. So it's important to protect jobs and health care in our communities.” Ward said.
But not everyone thinks this potential merger is a good move. In a statement to KDKA-TV, SEIU Chapter President Melissa Duran said in part: “In areas where UPMC has taken over hospitals, we have seen reductions in services and staff, and patients “We call on the Washington Health System to find a suitable solution.” Another partner prioritizes patient care over profits and protects patients and workers in the event of a merger. will ask the Attorney General to protect the ”
“Every employee working for us today, whether union or non-union, has a guaranteed job, and no one has had their pay or benefits reduced. “I don't know what you're so angry about,” Ward said. He said.
Ward said the hospital expects to lose $34 million this year and $40 million next year. No decision has been made yet.
