Hackensack University Health Network merges with Meridian Health to form a comprehensive, integrated healthcare network in New Jersey

By Jessica Jones-Gorman • Photos BY Amessé Photography

In an unprecedented realignment, Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health recently announced a historic partnership that unites the legacy of two of New Jersey’s most respected healthcare networks—bringing a full spectrum of care and service to residents of the Garden State and the greater region. “Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health have a shared vision for the future of healthcare, which is to provide quality care and exceptional experiences to every patient, every time,” noted Gordon N. Litwin, cochairman of the newly formed

Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees and a member of the Meridian Health Board of Trustees since its inception in 1997. “Quality, safety, and consistency are at the core of what we bring to the people of New Jersey and to those who travel here for our care and services.”

The two health networks first announced their merger plans in October 2014, and received final approval from state and federal authorities in late June. When the network began functioning as one entity on July 1, greater comprehensive care was the goal.

“I think the largest initiative to come out of this is the ability to deliver better integrated service to a larger portion of New Jersey,” Litwin said. “We want to advance the patient experience and offer the best quality, while increasing our satisfaction rate. And by having a large system with big capabilities and resources, I think we will be able to do just that.”

And while the merger didn’t happen overnight, Litwin says the advantages will be felt by many for years to come.

“Fortunately this is a merger of two strong institutions and the many benefits will be evident as part of a gradual build,” Litwin said. “Hackensack brings to the table a great deal of clinical excellence while Meridian brings great experience in the delivery of integrated care. And as patients are treated at Hackensack Meridian, they will find that there will be consistent protocols based on the best scientific evidence across the system.”

Going forward, Litwin said, the goal is to provide more options and innovation for patients.

Said Robert C. Garrett, Hackensack Meridian Health’s co-CEO: “There has never been a more exciting time in healthcare. By harnessing the collective knowledge and resources of both Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health, we are creating a world-class network. The physicians and caregivers from Hackensack Meridian Health are among the finest in the nation—streamlining care, putting their hearts and minds into the care they provide, offering patients more options, and discovering and innovating for tomorrow.”

John K. Lloyd, who will lead Hackensack Meridian Health with Garrett for the first 2½ years, is convinced that the philosophical and cultural synergies between the two organizations will not only accelerate success, but will set a standard for other networks to follow.

“These are two patient-centric and financially strong health networks that uphold their missions and deliver on their promises,” said Lloyd. “I’m convinced that with our combined talent and shared vision, we can continue to transform healthcare delivery through innovation, technology, and education.”

In addition to a unique leadership structure, led by co-CEOs Garrett and Lloyd, a Board of Trustees equally represented by both organizations has been created and co-chaired by Litwin and Joseph Simunovich.

“This is a monumental deal, with major benefits for area residents and beyond,” said Simunovich, who has served on the Hackensack University Health Network board for 25 years. “We will transform and elevate the level of care provided to patients by achieving clinical alignment and offering unsurpassed breadth and depth of services through our extensive continuum of care. By consolidating the innovation and progress that has been made and adding a research arm, I think we will achieve an extraordinarily positive outcome. We now have the ability to service a larger area and provide additional services. We look forward to the endless possibilities ahead for Hackensack Meridian Health.”

Hackensack Meridian Health combines the excellence and innovation of academic medical centers with the convenience and compassion of community-based care and services. The expanded network now consists of 13 hospitals, including two academic medical centers, two children’s hospitals, and nine community hospitals. There are also physician practices, more than 120 ambulatory care centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care centers in the network. Both organizations also train doctors and allied health professionals, and conduct significant research that results in new ways of preventing and treating disease.

High on the list of milestones will be the opening of New Jersey’s only private school of medicine, in conjunction with Seton Hall University. That will further punctuate Hackensack Meridian Health’s focus on academic excellence.

The partnership will also include nursing and allied health sciences.

“New Jersey health systems and hospitals provide some of the best health care in the nation,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett. “Across the country, healthcare organizations are partnering to increase access to care, reduce costs, and improve clinical outcomes. We welcome the new Hackensack Meridian Health merger, which will help ensure that New Jersey hospitals and health systems remain ahead of the curve in comprehensive healthcare delivery.”

Betsy Ryan, president and CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association, observed that, “Hospitals nationwide are pursuing new affiliations to ensure they are positioned to continue providing high-quality, efficient healthcare. New Jersey is fortunate to have strong partners like Hackensack and Meridian, coming together to deliver excellent care all across the state.”

By combining and sharing resources and identifying new efficiencies, Hackensack Meridian Health plans on providing patients with the highest quality care at an appropriate cost. As a result of this merger, it will meet the needs of the large communities it serves throughout the state and enhance its ability to be innovative in the delivery of care.

“It’s a very exciting time,” Simunovich concluded. “We are focused on meeting and exceeding public obligations and are in an excellent position to do so.”

Hackensack Meridian Health
855.855.0335 / meridianhealth.com