Virtua Health, which operates five hospitals in South Jersey, announced its intentions Wednesday to co-found a new regional not-for-profit health system that would provide care across New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The deal with ChristianaCare, a nonprofit teaching health system headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, would create a regional system with more than 600 locations, nearly 30,000 employees, and academic programs supporting more than 500 residents and fellows, according to a joint press release.
Both sides signed a “letter of intent,” which signals more formal negotiations ahead.
A spokesman for Virtua Health said talks are “still exploratory, focused on alignment, due diligence, and cultural and strategic fit.”
“If we decide to proceed, we will then sign definitive agreements and move to regulatory review and approvals. Because of the regulatory processes involved, the actual timeline is not in our full control,” said spokesman Daniel Moise in an email to NJ Advance Media.
Officials said the proposed partnership would create more access to urgent, primary, and behavioral health care in the region.
“This is an exciting first step in a collaborative journey to amplify the strengths of two trusted health systems,” Dennis W. Pullin, president and chief executive officer of Virtua Health, said in a statement.
“We see this as a unique opportunity to shape the future of care in this region with innovation and intention. Together, we aim to create an integrated regional health system built on human connection, clinical excellence and a deep commitment to all people in the communities we serve,” Pullin said.
The future entity would also include a proposed maternal risk program to support more than 15,000 births per year, according to Wednesday’s press release.
“The future of quality health care in America will be shaped by those who take action today to invest in, care for, and be a champion for the needs of patients,” Dr. Janice E. Nevin, president and chief executive officer of ChristianaCare, said in a statement.
“Our vision for this new health system – when Medicare and Medicaid are facing cuts and many hospitals are struggling to stay open – gives me hope and excitement for our future and for the health of our neighbors,” Nevin said.
Virtua Health, an academic health system affiliated with Rowan University, is headquartered in Marlton. The not-for-profit health system consists of five hospitals, two emergency departments, 42 ambulatory surgery centers, 38 primary care locations, 30 physical therapy practices, and over 400 additional sites.
Virtua also partners with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.
ChristianaCare includes three hospitals, one emergency department, a Level I trauma center, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, and a comprehensive stroke center, as well as regional centers in heart and vascular care, cancer care and women’s health.
As a teaching health system, ChristianaCare serves as the Delaware Branch Campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical School of Thomas Jefferson University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with more than 260 residents and fellows and a physician network with more than 1,300 providers.
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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
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