Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health has committed $900 million for Allentown, Pa-based Lehigh Valley Health facilities over a three-year period in projects, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Oct. 18.
Here are six things to know:
1. Jefferson and LVHN merged Aug. 1 to form a 32-hospital system with over 700 care sites.
2. The $900 million is part of a $1.1 billion bond to help Jefferson refinance its existing debt, the publication reported.
3. Jefferson's project plans for LVHN include creating a mother-baby unit at East Stroudsburg, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono that comprises 13 postpartum beds, six labor and delivery rooms and eight nursery bassinets. The unit is expected to open sometime in April 2026.
4. Bethlehem, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Hospital – Muhlenberg will get a three-story building for an emergency department expansion as part of the project. The 79-bed ED will comprise a heliport and is expected to be complete in October 2026.
5. Jefferson also shared plans to purchase a medical building by an LVHN micro-hospital in Gilbertsville, Pa., which LVHN had originally leased from the building's developer.
6. The bond will also use $530 million in capital projects to expand Jefferson's flagship Center City Hospital's ED and enhance immune-therapy cancer treatment services.