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Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger and Bethlehem, Pa.-based St. Luke’s University Health Network will build a new 80-bed acute care hospital in Orwigsburg, Pa. — marking the first time in Pennsylvania’s history two healthcare systems agreed to build and co-own a hospital.
The three-story, 120,000-square-foot facility will house an emergency department and offer a wide array of specialties and services. Construction on the facility will begin in spring 2018, wrapping up late next year.
Under the terms of the partnership, the hospital will operate under both parties as a joint venture, with funding and governance shared equally. St. Luke’s will build and manage the hospital, while both parties will contribute physicians, support staff and expertise.
“The new hospital in Orwigsburg will emphasize the strengths of St. Luke’s and Geisinger, extending the best value in healthcare that is, the highest quality at the lowest cost — to more residents of Schuylkill County and surrounding areas,” St. Luke’s President and CEO Rick Anderson said.
HENRY KOTULA 