According to a statement released by SLUHN, the decision follows ongoing discussions between the two organizations. St. Luke’s will exercise its option, outlined in the original operating agreement, to acquire Geisinger’s interest in the joint venture. The transition is expected to occur in the near future, pending regulatory approval.
Hospital officials emphasized that the change in ownership will not impact patient care or staffing at the Orwigsburg facility.
“This transition will not affect the ongoing quality of care patients will receive in the communities served by Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital,” the statement reads. “Employees previously employed by the joint venture will remain part of St. Luke’s University Health Network, with no changes to staffing, services, seniority, compensation, or other benefits.”
Physicians currently serving on the hospital’s medical staff are also expected to remain in place.
Rick Anderson, President and CEO of St. Luke’s University Health Network, expressed gratitude for the partnership and for the employees who helped build the hospital’s foundation.
“Thank you to our Geisinger St. Luke’s employees, leaders and providers for their many contributions to this joint venture,” Anderson said. “We are thankful for the collaboration between Geisinger and St. Luke’s and grateful for the resulting joint venture that allowed this 64-bed acute care hospital and medical campus to be established.”
When the hospital opened, it marked a historic achievement — the first time in recent Pennsylvania history that two health systems jointly co-owned and co-built a hospital.
Additional details on the transition are expected to be released over the coming months as both organizations work through the final steps of the ownership change.
Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, located along Paramount Boulevard in Orwigsburg, has served the region since opening its doors in 2019.