Mon Health System and CAMC Health System will combine under the umbrella brand, Vandalia Health.
Mon Health System and Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) Health System have signed a letter of intent to merge into one health system, the organizations announced on Thursday.
The combined health system will operate under an umbrella brand called Vandalia Health, while Charlestown, West Virginia-based CAMC and Morgantown, West Virginia-based Mon Health will maintain their "unique and historical" identities.
"Combining the strengths and unique attributes of two established and well-regarded health systems advances the best interests of West Virginia patients and families whose lives and well-being depend upon our services," David L. Ramsey, CEO of CAMC Health System, Inc, said in a statement.
Through the merger, the nonprofit organizations hope to expand care while managing health costs and expanding the care continuum across the communities the two organizations serve in West Virginia.
Additionally, "The history and tradition of our respective hospitals, and the renowned clinical providers in our communities, will help propel the success of this partnership," David S. Goldberg, CEO of Mon Health System, said in a statement. "We look forward to working together to expand access to highest quality, affordable care for West Virginians, close to home."
The two organizations will file a certificate of need on April 15, and hope to close the transaction as soon as possible, following regulatory and governance approvals.
While the organizations' did not say if there will be layoffs following the merger, the organizations did say in an FAQ post that "both parties are hiring continuously to meet the needs of their patients, and anticipate this will remain the case."
The merged hospital would comprise of Mon Health's three hospitals: Mon Health Medical Center, Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital, and Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, and CAMC's four hospitals: Memorial Hospital, General Hospital, Women and Children's Hospital, and Teays Valley Hospital.
In a statement released to WVNews, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said, "CAMC and Mon Health have provided quality healthcare to countless West Virginians for decades. Today's announcement is the beginning of a new era for healthcare in the Mountain State, and will further help to improve healthcare in our rural areas."
Melanie Blackman is a contributing editor for strategy, marketing, and human resources at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.