JUNE 14, 2022 – RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH), headquartered in West Orange, New Jersey today announced that after considerable deliberation over the action of the Federal Trade Commission to block its proposal to combine with Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, the system mutually agreed with the leadership of Saint Peter’s to end the proposed transaction.
“This difficult decision was not reached lightly,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, chief executive officer of RWJBarnabas Health. “We are disappointed in the termination of the proposed transaction, which we believe would have transformed quality, increased access and decreased the overall cost of care for the people of this State through the creation of a premier academic medical center. Despite the loss of this opportunity, RWJBarnabas Health remains resolute in its commitment to serve the people of New Jersey – especially those who reside in our most vulnerable, chronically underserved communities – and shall continue to do so.”
The Definitive Agreement signed in 2020, outlined the intention to integrate the two health care systems. The plan received full approval from New Jersey’s Attorney General and was supported by grassroots community groups, employer groups, unions, managed care organizations and elected officials at all levels within the State of New Jersey.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering eight counties with five million people. The system includes twelve acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton in Hamilton, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway in Rahway and Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, three acute care children’s hospitals and a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital with a network of outpatient centers, a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, two trauma centers, a satellite emergency department, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, affiliated medical groups, multi-site imaging centers and two accountable care organizations.
RWJBH is one of New Jersey’s largest private employers – with more than 38,000 employees, 9,000 physicians and 1,000 residents and interns – and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety. RWJBH has partnered with Rutgers University to create New Jersey’s largest academic health care system. The collaboration will align RWJBH with Rutgers’ education, research and clinical activities, including those at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
Contact:
Carrie Cristello
AVP, Media Relations
Carrie.cristello@rwjbh.org