New Jersey health systems Hunterdon Health and Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) announced that they have “signed a letter of intent regarding a partnership between the two mission-driven organizations, designed to enhance patient care, expand access to services, and accelerate innovation all for the benefit of their patients and communities.”
“We believe that partnering with Hackensack Meridian Health has the potential to strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality care, invest in our workforce, expand services, and enhance the patient experience for generations to come,” said Patrick Gavin, president and CEO of Hunterdon Health. “The letter of intent establishes a framework for our two organizations to conduct additional due diligence and evaluate opportunities to align resources, expertise, and capabilities in support of their shared commitment to high-quality, community-based healthcare.”
“The signing of a letter of intent marks the beginning of the next step in a thorough and lengthy process,” said Kristy Alfano, interim president and CEO of Hunterdon Health, who will succeed Mr. Gavin when he retires June 30. “In the days ahead, we will remain focused on what matters most—our patients, our employees, our physicians, and our communities—as together we explore opportunities to build on our strengths and ensure that high-quality healthcare remains available close to home.”
The health systems state that they will “use their shared resources, expertise, and advanced technologies to expand and support a comprehensive healthcare delivery system focused on health outcomes, investment in clinical research, academic and community benefit programs, and quality care that is human-centered, accessible, and affordable.”
“By coming together, we’ll be able to improve access to top-tier care, expand services and programs to the great communities that Hunterdon and HMH serve, and invest in research and technology that make it easier for patients to take control of their health,” said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.
The Board of Trustees of both systems voted to authorize the exploration of a merger. K.C. Rondello, MD, chairman of the Hunterdon Health Board of Trustees, stated that the investigation of a long-term partnership was an “appropriate” step “based on the strong alignment we see between our two organizations.” The systems stated that the nature of that alignment is “mission, values, and commitment to local communities.”
“It’s an exciting step that will help us attract great talent, grow sustainably, and keep meeting the needs of our patients for years to come,” stated Keith Banks, chairman of the Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees.
The letter of intent is not a final agreement, and no immediate changes are planned to patient care, physician practices, employee roles, compensation, or benefits, according to the health systems.
