Sacred Heart HealthCare System, a health network that includes Sacred Heart Hospital in downtown Allentown, primary care centers at ten sites throughout the Lehigh Valley and senior housing services, and St. Luke’s University Health Network, a regional health network with seven hospitals and more than 270 outpatient sites serving 10 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, today announced plans for Sacred Heart HealthCare System to join St. Luke’s University Health Network.

The terms of the transaction will allow the combined health network to continue its relentless focus on quality and to enhance the level of health care services, develop new programs and service opportunities and increase access to physician specialists in the Lehigh County region, while maintaining its not-for-profit status. The terms also allow for Sacred Heart Hospital to maintain its Catholic identity.“Sacred Heart is excited to enter into this affiliation with St. Luke’s,” John Nespoli, president and CEO of the Sacred Heart HealthCare System said.“St. Luke’s has an incredible track record of working successfully with community hospitals. With the partnership of St. Luke’s, Sacred Heart will offer our physicians and employees growth opportunities and, most importantly, continue with our charitable mission in the heart of the city.”The agreement between Sacred Heart HealthCare System and St. Luke’s University Health Network has been unanimously approved by the boards of both organizations after a competitive selection process.Paul Huck, chairman of Sacred Heart HealthCare System’s Board of Directors, said, “This affiliation agreement was made with the best interests of our patients, our physicians, our employees and our community in mind. St. Luke’s long history of enriching the hospitals that join its network make it the ideal partner. This collaboration will ensure that the health care needs of people in the Lehigh Valley and the region will continue to receive the quality, compassionate care that has been the mainstay of Sacred Heart for over 100 years.”The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including review and approval by various regulatory agencies. The transaction is expected to be completed early next year.