WellSpan Health expands reach with hospital acquisition

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WellSpan Health is expanding into Union County with the acquisition of Evangelical Community Hospital. 

The two entities have entered into a definitive agreement to enhance community-based health care across the region, WellSpan Health said. 

Pending regulatory approval, WellSpan Health said Evangelical Community Hospital will become WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital on or about July 1. 

WellSpan Health said Evangelical’s network of care serving the Central Susquehanna Valley will also join the network, expanding the combined reach of the organizations across 12 counties in Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. 

“When we embarked on our journey to reimagine health care at WellSpan, we committed to innovation while keeping health care local. We’re excited to build on that commitment with Evangelical,” said Roxanna Gapstur Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health. 

“As the only locally governed health system in Central Pennsylvania, our mission is focused on improving the health of our friends and neighbors,” Gapstur said. “When health outcomes improve through innovative care models, strategic partnerships, and a strong sense of purpose, it creates a fantastic combination.” 

Evangelical Community Hospital is the only Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 5-star rated hospital in the region, WellSpan said. The hospital has 1,900 employees, more than 170 employed and non-employed physicians on staff, and 131 licensed beds. The hospital provides services in both inpatient and outpatient settings and serves residents in Lycoming, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties. 

“We recognize the shared vision WellSpan has for community-based care, and we were deliberate in the decision to choose a partner who would ensure our patients continue to receive the high-quality care they have come to expect from Evangelical Community Hospital,” said Kendra Aucker, president and CEO of Evangelical Community Hospital.  

“The industry is facing strong financial and workforce headwinds, and this integration will provide the best path forward, so we may continue to provide for the health and wellness needs of our communities well into the future,” Aucker said. 

WellSpan said it currently employs more than 21,000 team members, 2,000 employed providers, and has 220 locations and eight hospitals, including the region’s largest behavioral health network and a Level 1 Trauma Center. The health network serves residents in Adams, Cumberland, Lancaster, Lebanon, Franklin, and York counties in Pennsylvania and Frederick and Washington counties in Maryland. 

“Joining an established and successful health system where quality, safety and innovation are top priorities ensures we preserve a vibrant health care system close to home,” Aucker said. “At the end of the day, we work for this community and our job is to care for it. With this partnership, that will not change.” 

A separate philanthropic foundation will be created as a community pathway for hospital support, like WellSpan’s other hospital foundations. 

“We have great respect for what Evangelical Community Hospital means to its surrounding communities and we know our mutual values of integrity and respect for all will make this a great fit,” Gapstur said.