PITTSBURGH — Two Pittsburgh hospitals are combining to prepare for federal reforms and the move could cost 1,500 jobs.

Allegheny General Hospital will become the primary hospital of the West Penn Allegheny Health System, while West Penn Hospital will eventually close its emergency room and move most of its medical and surgical programs to AGH.

These changes were announced this morning.

West Penn will maintain its burn center, a women's and infants' center, and inpatient rehabilitation programs.

President and chief executive officer Christopher Olivia acknowledged the painful decision to cut up to 1,500 jobs in the process. He says the consolidation is necessary under upcoming reforms.

West Penn has also continued to lose money, including $11.6 million in nine months through March 31.