Cooper University Health Care, Lourdes Health System and Saint Francis Medical Center have announced plans for all three New Jersey health systems to consolidate within Cooper.
The transaction is part of a letter of intent signed by Cooper and Maxis Health, an entity of Trinity Health that is the parent of Lourdes and Saint Francis.
Over the last year, Maxis, Lourdes and Saint Francis have talked with several health systems that submitted proposals to work with Lourdes, based in Camden, and Saint Francis, based in Trenton, to serve the region. Cooper proposed a partnership that would build on Lourdes’ and Saint Francis’ existing capabilities, including nationally recognized cardiology programs, while maintaining the systems’ names and mission.
Cooper, Lourdes and Saint Francis have each demonstrated their long-standing commitment to caring for urban populations and plan to broaden that work as part of a new partnership, according to a statement released by Lourdes.
“In today’s health care environment in New Jersey, continuing success for Lourdes and Saint Francis depends on being part of a growing regional network with a broad presence in local communities,” said Ben Carter, executive vice president of Trinity Health. “Cooper’s proven commitment to exemplary care, a community-based health focus and service to people who are poor gives us confidence that the mission and communities of Lourdes and Saint Francis will remain in good hands as part of a system with these anchor institutions.”
“For our community and our ministry, our partnership with Cooper will create new opportunities for high-quality care and long-term growth,” said Reginald Blaber, MD, president of Lourdes Health System. “We are especially excited to have the opportunity to bring our physician networks together and to develop a regional cardiac center of excellence.”
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital was built in 1943 and administered by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Allegany, New York. It has never been owned or administered by the Camden Diocese.