Dive Brief:
- The University of Virginia Health System and Novant Health are discussing a merger that would result in creation of a Northern Virginia regional health system.
- The proposed agreement would include UVA Culpeper Hospital and all of Novant Health's Virginia facilities, including Novant Health Haymarket Medical Center, Novant Health Prince William Medical Center and Novant Health Cancer Center.
- Representatives from both organizations have signed a non-binding letter of intent and started discussions that will include how they can integrate or coordinate cancer care across Northern Virginia.
Dive Insight:
Both parties, as well as patients throughout Northern VA, stand to benefit from this merger. "Through this new regional health system, patients will be able to connect with the expertise UVA provides as an academic medical center, including subspecialty care and potential breakthrough treatments through clinical trials, while benefiting from Novant Health's experience with increasing access to care when and where patients need it," Carl S. Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health said in a statement. "Novant Health has a strong presence in Northern Virginia and this proposed partnership only strengthens our ability to identify best practices, advance our population health strategy and lower healthcare costs."
Officials say the joint operating company will likely be created by June, with final details to be revealed in July.