Heritage Valley Health System to Merge with Allegheny Health Network

Heritage Valley Health System and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) signed an affiliation agreement today, adding two hospitals to AHN’s network and bolstering healthcare access in Western Pennsylvania.

Leaders from both organizations celebrated the agreement at Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital yesterday, attended by local officials and hospital staff. The merger will incorporate Heritage Valley’s Beaver Hospital, which sees 60,000 emergency room patients annually, and Sewickley Hospital, which treats 35,000 in its emergency room and walk-in clinics, bringing the total to 15 and 16 hospitals within the AHN system. This consolidation comes as hospitals nationwide face increasing financial pressures and workforce shortages.

Heritage Valley CEO Norm Mitry explained the decision was driven by the need to secure long-term resources. “Ever since COVID, it’s been hard to get those resources. It’s been hard to recruit and retain physicians because you’re constantly competing with Allegheny Health Network and UPMC for physicians,” Mitry said. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato emphasized the importance of Sewickley Hospital to the growing western portion of the county, stating, “This merger is so important to Allegheny County because the western side of our county is actually growing, and with that growth, people need access to care.” AHN is a leading provider of healthcare services in the region; you can learn more about their services on their website.

AHN Executive Mark Sevco stated the partnership will “improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve and provide long-term sustainability to the hospitals.” The merger still requires regulatory approval, a process Mitry estimates will take between four and twelve months.