Inova, Valley Health System create ‘strategic alliance’

Inova and Valley Health System are teaming up.

Inova, which has five hospitals in Northern Virginia, and Valley Health, which has six hospitals in Virginia and West Virginia, said Tuesday they will seek ways to collaborate in clinical research, information technology, population health and clinic service delivery.

“The winds of change are strong, and this alliance allows our two organizations an opportunity to collaborate as we face change,” Mark H. Merrill, Valley Health’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “This innovative alliance will enable both of our organizations to do more, in a shorter period of time, and at less cost, than would have been possible if pursued alone.”

Under the plan, the health systems will remain separate and be independently governed, and neither entity will have a seat on the other’s board. In addition, no jobs will be affected by the agreement.

The plan will include implementing electronic medical records at Valley Health; pursuing clinical integration of cardiovascular services, neurosciences, orthopedics, cancer care, trauma, and women’s and infants services between the health systems; and collaborating on research projects and clinical trials.

The health systems will provide mutual access to managed-care programs and physicians.

“A critical element of the ‘new normal’ in health care is partnership,” Inova COO Mark Stauder said.  “Together, Inova and Valley Health System offer creativity, innovation, and experience with a passion to improve the health of the diverse communities we serve now and in the generation to come.”