Hackensack Meridian, JFK Health complete merger
Eight months after a signing a definitive agreement to merge, Edison, New Jersey-based systems Hackensack Meridian Health and JFK Health have finalized their combination into the largest health system in New Jersey.
The system, which will keep the Hackensack Meridian name, consists of 16 hospitals and 160 patient care locations with 4,520 beds. With the addition of the JFK staff, the system employs almost 33,000 people, including 6,500 physicians.
“JFK Health and Hackensack Meridian Health share a common mission and commitment to providing high quality care and an enhanced patient experience,” said Hackensack Meridian co-CEO Robert C. Garrett in a press release. “As we continue to grow, we will transform health care in New Jersey and provide residents with greater access to care in hundreds of locations throughout the state.”
The completion of the merger came with the promise of new investments, with Garrett saying $12 million will be spent on expanding the cardiac catheterization lab at the 499-bed JFK Medical Center, including a new treatment suite to “consolidate and expand non-invasive cardiac diagnostic services—echocardiograms, EKG and vascular studies.”
Hackensack Meridian also touted the additions of JFK’s neuroscience institute to its system, including its introduction of virtual reality devices to help surgeons prepare for procedures.
The combined system is expected to have revenue of just under $5 billion.
John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.