MORRISTOWN / NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – June 25, 2024 – Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a cornerstone of healthcare in central New Jersey, is set to join forces with Atlantic Health System, a leading healthcare provider in the region. Building on a history of successful collaboration and a shared commitment to patient-centered care, the two healthcare systems have signed a Definitive Agreement, marking a significant step towards expanding their strategic partnership. This agreement follows a period of successful collaboration after an initial Letter of Intent, and both organizations are now focused on securing the necessary federal, state, and Church approvals to finalize the transaction.
Upon receiving the required approvals, the integration of Saint Peter’s University Hospital into Atlantic Health System promises immediate and substantial benefits for patients, physicians, and caregivers across the communities served by Saint Peter’s. Key improvements will include enhanced integrated clinical services, a stronger physician network, and significant capital investments in Saint Peter’s University Hospital. These investments are earmarked for vital upgrades such as a new electronic medical record system, infrastructure improvements, and the expansion of outpatient services. According to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System will become part of Atlantic Health System, with Atlantic Health System assuming sole corporate membership of Saint Peter’s. Importantly, Saint Peter’s University Hospital will uphold its Catholic mission and identity, adhering to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs) under the ecclesiastical sponsorship of the Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, Bishop of Metuchen.
“The signing of this Definitive Agreement is a pivotal moment in our journey to become part of Atlantic Health System,” stated Leslie D. Hirsch, President and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. “We are excited about joining Atlantic Health, an organization renowned for its dedication to exceptional patient care, which strongly aligns with our own values and mission. This partnership ensures Saint Peter’s University Hospital will continue its legacy as a vital Catholic hospital in central New Jersey, serving the community for generations to come.”
Brian Gragnolati, President & Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Health System, added, “Today’s announcement represents the next step in our commitment to providing more accessible and affordable healthcare to the residents of New Jersey. We are delighted to collaborate with Saint Peter’s University Hospital to deliver high-quality care and build healthier communities together.”
A primary focus following the completion of the approved transaction will be the implementation of the Epic electronic health record (EHR) platform at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. The Epic EHR system is designed to enhance efficiency and safety in patient care by providing physicians with comprehensive and current patient medical records. Once fully implemented, Epic will facilitate seamless information sharing between physicians and patients throughout the entire Atlantic Health System network. This integration will ensure that patient medical information is readily accessible through the MyChart patient portal, regardless of where they receive care within the network.
Patients at Saint Peter’s University Hospital will also quickly benefit from Atlantic Health System’s extensive investments in data analytics. Leveraging clinical insights gained from Atlantic Health System’s interactions with over one million unique individuals annually, these advanced data tools will empower caregivers to make more informed and efficient decisions. This data-driven approach is expected to lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs, mirroring the success of Atlantic Health’s accountable care organizations (ACOs).
Looking towards the future, the Definitive Agreement opens doors for numerous collaborative opportunities, including expanding outpatient services and developing population health strategies. These initiatives aim to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and convenient for individuals living in the communities served by Saint Peter’s University Hospital.
Physicians within the Saint Peter’s network will also gain from this expanded partnership. Atlantic Health System will offer Saint Peter’s physicians opportunities to participate in Atlantic Health’s affiliated physician group practices and programs, including various quality improvement initiatives. These programs have a proven track record of delivering enhanced healthcare outcomes for patients and generating financial savings.
The Definitive Agreement is the result of months of dedicated collaboration between the two organizations, driven by a shared patient-centric philosophy focused on delivering high-quality, cost-effective services to their communities, consistent with their respective missions. Notably, both Saint Peter’s University Hospital and Morristown Medical Center (part of Atlantic Health System) have achieved Magnet® hospital designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for six consecutive times. The ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program® is a prestigious honor recognizing healthcare organizations for outstanding patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice. Only a select two percent of the 599 Magnet-designated hospitals in the United States have achieved this recognition six times.
Furthermore, Saint Peter’s University Hospital and Atlantic Health System share a deep commitment to building healthier communities by addressing social determinants of health and removing barriers to healthcare access. This partnership will also strengthen the systems’ existing involvement in the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, which aims to provide broader and more affordable health insurance options to employees across New Jersey. Both systems also pride themselves on fostering exceptional workplace cultures that value every team member’s contributions while promoting award-winning innovation and compassionate care.
Alt text: Saint Peter’s University Hospital exterior view showcasing its modern facilities and welcoming entrance in New Brunswick, NJ.
About Saint Peter’s Healthcare System:
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Inc., sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, includes Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital recognized as a state-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center. The system also encompasses Saint Peter’s Foundation, the hospital’s fundraising arm; Saint Peter’s Health and Management Services Corp.; Saint Peter’s Physician Associates, a network of primary and specialty care physician practices; and various outpatient facilities such as the CARES Surgicenter, Saint Peter’s Family Health Center, Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center, and the Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center. Saint Peter’s University Hospital is a regional leader in maternity and women’s health services, cancer care, diabetes, gastroenterology, geriatrics, pediatrics, bariatric surgery, and head and neck surgery. Saint Peter’s received its sixth consecutive Magnet® designation in 2020 and holds the Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for multiple intensive care units. Saint Peter’s sponsors residency programs in several medical specialties and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences.
Alt text: Compassionate nurses providing exceptional patient care at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, highlighting their dedication to nursing excellence.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System is a leading healthcare organization in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area, committed to setting standards for quality healthcare. With 20,000 team members and 5,440 affiliated physicians, Atlantic Health System serves over half of New Jersey, covering 14 counties and 7.5 million individuals.
The non-profit system operates more than 550 care sites, including seven hospitals: Morristown Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center, Newton Medical Center, Chilton Medical Center, Hackettstown Medical Center, Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute, and CentraState Healthcare System through a partnership.
Atlantic Health System includes Atlantic Medical Group, a large multispecialty practice; Atlantic Accountable Care Organization; and Optimus Healthcare Partners, forming Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of over 2,500 healthcare providers.
Atlantic Health System delivers comprehensive care through 27 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse, and Atlantic Anywhere Virtual Visits, supported by Atlantic Mobile Health’s transportation fleet.
Atlantic Health System spearheads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, partners with Thomas Jefferson University with a medical school affiliation, hosts the regional campus of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and is the official healthcare partner of the New York Jets.
