Atlantic Health, Saint Peter’s end merger talks, cite changing health care landscape
NEW JERSEY — Atlantic Health and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System announced Monday that they have mutually agreed to end plans for a member substitution transaction, citing the rapidly changing national health care landscape and its impact on hospitals and health systems.
“While disappointing, unfortunately we have determined that this is the most appropriate path forward,” said Saad Ehtisham, president and CEO of Atlantic Health. “Despite this, our two organizations have enjoyed a shared history of collaboration on behalf of our patients that I hope will continue to guide our work in the future.”
Leslie D. Hirsch, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, expressed similar sentiments, noting that while the organizations were disappointed by the outcome, Saint Peter’s remains focused on its mission and strong position moving forward.
“Although we have agreed to mutually terminate the pending transaction, we are disappointed by this result,” Hirsch said. “Saint Peter’s has proudly fulfilled its Catholic mission for over 118 years in the communities it serves. Saint Peter’s takes great pride in the fact that it is well-positioned for continued success, as it now rethinks its future.”
Both organizations said they remain committed to improving care for their communities and will continue to pursue collaborative partnerships such as the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, as well as other initiatives aimed at ensuring residents of central New Jersey have access to high-quality, affordable health care.
