Hunterdon Health didn’t have to do this.
The Flemington-based health system — built around its flagship Hunterdon Medical Center and a network of more than 30 medical practices across Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer and Warren counties — had options. Multiple suitors, according to incoming CEO Kristy Alfano. A board that voted to move forward. A financially sound organization with quality scores to match.
It chose Hackensack Meridian Health.
“We really took a lot of time to look at where we align with Hackensack Meridian Health and feel that we have made an excellent decision in choosing them as a partner,” Alfano said. “We do believe that Hackensack really understands the incredible value that Hunterdon Health brings to the table.”
The two systems announced Monday they have signed a letter of intent to merge Hunterdon Health into the HMH system. Both organizations were careful to note that the LOI is not a final agreement, and that no immediate changes are planned to patient care, physician practices, employee roles, compensation or benefits.
Alfano, who will succeed outgoing CEO Patrick Gavin when he retires June 30, said Hunterdon enters this process on its own terms.
“We’re coming into this merger from a position of strength, both from a financial situation as well as a quality standpoint,” she said. “We align very much with Hackensack Meridian in both of those realms.”
What the merger unlocks, she said, is the ability to do more for patients without sending them elsewhere. Specialized services that currently require a referral out of the community could stay local. Technology investment that would take years to fund independently becomes more attainable. And access to the Carrier Clinic — HMH’s renowned behavioral health facility — addresses a gap Hunterdon has long felt acutely.
“We transfer to Carrier Clinic quite often currently, so we are very much looking forward to integrating with the Carrier Clinic leaders,” Alfano said.
