Jameson Health System, based in New Castle, Pa., has signed a letter of intent to merge with Pittsburgh-based UPMC.
Under the agreement, UPMC will invest $70 million in the development of facilities and services — such as capital improvements, physician recruitment and clinical care coordination — over the next 10 years at Jameson Health. Of that amount, at least $15 million will go toward improvements during the next two years.
"Our choice to integrate with UPMC is the right one because it will preserve and enhance our ability to provide exceptional health care close to home," said Steve Warner, Jameson Health board chairman. "It's important to our community that Jameson continues to operate as a not-for-profit system and remains a vital economic driver for our area. Ultimately, we are excited to grow and develop healthcare services for the people of our region."