Compiled from staff and wire reports

Cooper University Health Care, Lourdes Health System and St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, announced Aug. 31 that Cooper has signed a letter of intent to acquire Trinity Health’s New Jersey facilities, which include Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, Willingboro, and St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton.

When the transaction is completed, the combined entity (Cooper University Health Care, Cooper Lourdes Health Care/MD Anderson Cancer Center and Cooper St. Francis/MD Anderson Cancer Center) will become the largest health system in South Jersey and the fourth-largest health system in the state, with revenues of nearly $2 billion, more than 12,000 employees and creating one of the state’s leading physicians’ group with more than 875 employed physicians. The combined health systems, with its physician offices and hospitals, will serve the more than 2.1 million people of Burlington, Mercer, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties.

“This agreement will bring together health care providers from across South and Central Jersey, allowing us to dramatically expand access to the high quality of care for thousands of new patients,” said George E. Norcross III, chairman of the board of trustees of Cooper University Health Care.

Cooper proposed a partnership that would build on Lourdes’ and St. Francis’ existing capabilities, including nationally recognized cardiology programs, while maintaining the systems’ names and mission. Cooper, Lourdes and St. Francis also have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to caring for urban populations and plan to broaden that work as part of a new partnership, officials said.

“In today’s health care environment in New Jersey, continuing success for Lourdes and St. 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 St. Francis will remain in good hands as part of a system with these anchor institutions.”

Dr. Reginald Blaber, president of Lourdes Health System, praised the move, saying, “For our community and our ministry, our partnership with Cooper will create new opportunities for high-quality care and long-term growth.

“We are especially excited to have the opportunity to bring our physician networks together and to develop a regional cardiac center of excellence,” he added.

Vince Costantino, interim president and chief administrative officer of St. Francis Medical Center, commented on how the partnership with Cooper will permit the medical center to continue its mission through expanded service to urban communities and provide a broader, ongoing commitment to charity.

“Our communities will benefit from a unique combination of experience, resources and capabilities that support the long-term sustainability of our ministry,” Costantino said. “Cooper is a great match for us.”