RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Hackensack Meridian Health and Hunterdon Health have signed a definitive merger agreement that includes $230 million in planned capital and technology investments, bringing the two health care systems one step closer to combining operations.
Both organizations’ boards of trustees approved the agreement, which was formally signed by representatives of the two health systems at Hackensack Meridian Health’s headquarters in Iselin.
The agreement follows a June announcement that the organizations had signed a letter of intent to explore a potential merger. The latest agreement establishes the terms of the proposed combination, which remains subject to state and federal regulatory approvals.
“Today we’re making real commitments to the people of Hunterdon County and the surrounding communities,” said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Hunterdon Health has a long history of excellent, community-centered care. By investing in our facilities, technology, and clinical programs, we’ll help ensure patients in this region can receive leading-edge care close to home, backed by the resources of our entire network. We look forward to welcoming Hunterdon Health’s team members, physicians, and volunteers to the HMH family.”
Agreement includes $230 million in investments
Under the agreement, Hackensack Meridian Health has committed to investing $200 million in strategic capital projects intended to improve access to health care throughout Hunterdon County and surrounding communities.
The investments will support improvements to Hunterdon Health facilities, clinical programs and services, as well as projects benefiting the communities served by the health system.
An additional $30 million will fund the implementation of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Epic electronic health record system across Hunterdon Health.
The technology upgrade will include Hunterdon Medical Center, outpatient facilities, Hunterdon Medical Group and participating independent physicians. The system is intended to improve access to patient information and coordination of care across the combined network.
Local leadership and community oversight to continue
The agreement includes provisions designed to preserve Hunterdon Health’s local leadership and community involvement following the merger.
For six years after the merger closes, Hunterdon Health will maintain local board oversight. A Hunterdon representative will also join Hackensack Mer
