Saint Peter's, RWJBarnabas 'informally' exploring merger - Health Professionals & Allied Employees

Saint Peter’s, RWJBarnabas ‘informally’ exploring merger

Taken from NJBiz.com, January 10, 2018

The trend of big health care systems expanding through mergers should continue this year, and one of the big ones could involve Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick and RWJBarnabas Health.

The two sides have had “very informal” conversations about a potential union, according to a person familiar with the talks. CEOs for both hospitals, however, emphasized that no formal discussions have taken place and any speculation over a possible merger deal is premature.

“Before the end of the year, there’s a very good chance that Saint Peter’s will be part of RWJBarnabas,” said the source.

“Culturally, it would be a very good fit,” said another person with inside knowledge of both hospitals. “Both hospitals have the same philosophy, both are focused on patient-driven care.”

CEO Barry Ostrowsky would neither confirm nor deny negotiations were ongoing, telling NJBIZ through a spokesperson, “RWJBarnabas Health is continually assessing opportunities for partnerships and affiliations.”

Les Hirsch, Saint Peter’s interim CEO, told NJBIZ his hospital is not involved in any formal discussions with RWJBarnabas, and is studying the future direction of the hospital.

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