Allegheny Health Network officials on Friday announced plans to implement a $15 per hour minimum wage for employees by 2021, according to a news release.

The health network, which is building a cancer center in the Pullman Center Business Park, employs about 19,000 people in its eight hospitals, four health and wellness pavilions and other care sites across Western Pennsylvania.

Melissa Ferraro, AHN's senior vice president for human resources, said in the release that the move reflects the network's ongoing assessment of the market and its commitment to providing a highly competitive compensation and benefits package for all employees.

“Allegheny Health Network has transformed itself into a financially strong, market-leading provider of advanced medical care and we are excited to reward our talented and dedicated employees for the critical roles they play in our success and for the exceptional care and services they provide to our patients and the community,” Ferraro said.

AHN spokesman Dan Laurent said Friday that the minimum wage policy will have the greatest impact on many departments that are imperative to excellence in patient care, such as environmental services, dietary services and nursing assistants.