Hunterdon Health and Hackensack Meridian Health today announced 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 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.”
United by a shared commitment to transforming health care, Hackensack Meridian Health and Hunterdon Health will use their shared resources, expertise, and advanced technologies to expand and support a comprehensive health care 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.
"We are so excited at the opportunity to partner with Hunterdon Health as we look to transform healthcare in the future,” said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. "We share a vision for the future of medicine—one rooted in innovation and truly patient-centered care. 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. Together, we're committed to making high-quality health care more accessible and affordable for the communities we serve."
The announcement follows a vote by the Board of Trustees of both healthcare systems authorizing the two organizations to move forward with the exploration of a merger.
“After thoughtful deliberation, the Board concluded that signing a letter of intent with Hackensack Meridian Health is the appropriate next step to develop a long-term partnership between our two healthcare systems, based on the strong alignment we see between our two organizations,” said K.C Rondello, MD, Chairman of the Hunterdon Health Board of Trustees. “While there is much work ahead, we are excited to explore how a partnership could help us build an even stronger future for patients, caregivers, and the communities we serve.”
Leaders from both organizations cited a strong alignment of mission, values, and commitment to local communities as a key factor in the decision to move forward with the letter of intent.
"This proposed partnership with Hunterdon Health will accelerate our network’s mission to change health care for the better," said Keith Banks, Chairman of the Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees. "Jointly we can help improve the lives of the people in our communities. By merging our strengths, we're building a culture focused on better patient outcomes and stronger community support. 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."
The organizations emphasized that the letter of intent is not a final agreement and that no immediate changes are planned to patient care, physician practices, employee roles, compensation, or benefits. The organizations intend to work diligently towards a definitive agreement.