New Brunswick, N.J.-based Saint Peter's HealthCare System denied speculations it has engaged in exploratory talks with West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health about a potential partnership.
A source familiar with the matter told NJBiz the institutions have had "very informal" discussions about a potential affiliation. The source said, "there's a very good chance that Saint Peter's will be part of RWJBarnabas," according to the report. A second source told the publication a potential union "would be a good fit ... both hospitals have the same philosophy, both are focused on patient-driven care."
However, Leslie D. Hirsch, president and interim CEO of Saint Peter's HealthCare System, told Becker's Hospital Review Jan. 11 the hospital has not engaged in formal partnership discussions with RWJBarnabas.
"The governing board and leadership of Saint Peter's Healthcare System, in cooperation with its sponsor, The Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, are presently engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process to determine Saint Peter's future direction. Saint Peter's Catholic mission is of paramount importance in this process of discernment that will continue during 2018," said Mr. Hirsch.
"Saint Peter's has not been and is not presently engaged in any formal or informal discussions with any other organization about merger, affiliation or strategic partnership. In this regard, we have not made any decisions about our future," he added.
A spokesperson for RWJBarnabas told NJBiz, "RWJBarnabas Health is continually assessing opportunities for partnerships and affiliations."
Saint Peter's is one of 13 independent acute care hospitals left in the state following Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health's Jan. 3 announcement it would combine operations with Edison-based JFK Health, according to the report.
Editor's note: Becker's Hospital Review reached out to RWJBarnabas Health for comment and will update the article as more information becomes available.