WellSpan and Cancer Care Associates of York Forge Major Oncology Partnership

YORK, PA – February 23, 2026 – WellSpan Health and Cancer Care Associates of York (CCAY) have announced a strategic partnership that will integrate the region's largest independent oncology practice into the WellSpan Cancer Institute. The move, effective July 1, is poised to significantly reshape the delivery of cancer care across York County, consolidating services under a single, coordinated program and marking a pivotal moment in the regional healthcare landscape.

CCAY’s team of nine physicians and seven advanced practice providers will join WellSpan, bringing its long-standing medical oncology and infusion services into the health system's comprehensive network. The partnership aims to create a more unified and simplified experience for patients by merging medical oncology, radiation oncology, research, and support services, all connected through a single electronic health record.

“At WellSpan, we are focused on building modern, integrated care models that deliver better outcomes and a better experience,” said Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health, in a statement. “This partnership brings together two trusted organizations to create a more unified oncology program in York County.”

A New Era for Patient Care

For thousands of cancer patients in the region, the most immediate impact will be the transition to a more integrated care system. As part of the agreement, CCAY will adopt WellSpan’s Epic electronic health record. This shift will provide patients with a single, comprehensive medical record accessible through the MyWellSpan patient portal, which has recently been updated to include enhanced security, on-demand billing, and clearer presentation of test results.

The goal is to eliminate informational silos that can complicate a patient's journey, ensuring that providers across different specialties have a complete and up-to-the-minute view of a patient’s history and treatment plan. This continuity is especially critical in oncology, where care often involves a complex mix of specialists, treatments, and follow-up appointments.

“Patients should not have to navigate complexity to receive exceptional cancer care,” stated Dr. Anthony Aquilina, executive vice president and chief physician executive for WellSpan Health. He emphasized that the partnership is designed to keep care “coordinated and connected—preserving continuity with the providers patients know and trust, while expanding access to research and clinical trials.”

Physically, the integration will involve a notable change. CCAY's 33 chemotherapy infusion chairs and related services will be relocated from their current clinic to the adjacent, newly expanded WellSpan York Cancer Center at the Apple Hill Medical Center. While this centralizes services within a state-of-the-art facility, it will require an adjustment for patients accustomed to the CCAY location.

Strategic Consolidation in a Competitive Market

This partnership is more than a clinical integration; it is a significant strategic maneuver by WellSpan Health to solidify its leadership in oncology services across Central Pennsylvania. The acquisition of CCAY, a respected practice serving the community since 1979, effectively absorbs the largest independent competitor in the York County market. This move comes amid a competitive environment, with other major players like the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center also offering advanced oncology services in the area.

The partnership aligns with WellSpan’s aggressive growth strategy, outlined in its long-term vision to expand access and innovate care delivery. The organization has recently committed to massive capital projects, including a $427 million, eight-story surgical and critical care tower at WellSpan York Hospital, projected to open in 2027. It is also expanding its footprint with new, smaller-format “neighborhood hospitals” in underserved parts of the region.

By bringing CCAY into its fold, WellSpan not only grows its market share but also achieves operational synergies. Consolidating administrative functions, standardizing clinical protocols, and leveraging a single IT infrastructure can lead to greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness in an industry increasingly focused on value-based care.

The End of an Era for an Independent Practice

The CCAY-WellSpan deal is also a local case study of a powerful national trend: the decline of the independent medical practice. For decades, CCAY thrived as an autonomous entity, building a reputation for expert, personalized care. However, independent practices across the country face mounting pressures from rising operational costs, complex insurance negotiations, and the capital-intensive need to keep pace with technological advancements.

Partnering with a large health system offers a solution to these challenges. For CCAY, joining WellSpan provides access to a vast pool of resources, including a robust IT platform, extensive research infrastructure with over 275 active clinical trials, and the financial stability of a multi-billion-dollar organization. It also connects the practice to advanced technologies like da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery and precision medicine capabilities within the WellSpan Cancer Institute.

Dr. Daniel Efiom Ekaha, oncologist and president of Cancer Care Associates of York, framed the decision as a way to enhance, not abandon, their mission. “This partnership allows us to continue serving patients the way we always have, while bringing the added strength, resources and reach of WellSpan Health and the WellSpan Cancer Institute,” he said.

Backing Up 'World-Class' Claims

The promise of “world-class cancer care” is a frequent claim in healthcare, but WellSpan’s recent accolades lend it significant weight. The health system is the recipient of the American Hospital Association's prestigious 2024 Quest for Quality Prize, recognizing its system-wide commitment to performance improvement and innovation.

Specifically within its cancer program, the WellSpan Cancer Institute earned a 2025 Innovator Award from the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC). The award recognized its pioneering use of machine learning to improve palliative care referrals, which resulted in a documented decrease in in-hospital mortality for advanced cancer patients. Furthermore, U.S. News & World Report has rated WellSpan York Hospital as “High Performing” for both colon and lung cancer surgeries.

These external validations suggest that the integration is not merely a merger of assets but an alignment with a program held to rigorous, nationally recognized standards. By joining this framework, the respected physicians from CCAY will now have even more advanced tools and a broader research network at their disposal, advancing the standard of oncology care for the entire community.