HACKENSACK, N.J. — Hackensack Meridian Health is moving to bring another New Jersey hospital into its growing network, signing a deal to absorb Hunterdon Health in a partnership backed by $230 million in promised investments.
The agreement, announced Tuesday, would bring Hunterdon Medical Center, a 184-bed teaching hospital in Raritan Township near Flemington, and more than 30 medical practices into the state’s largest hospital network. The deal still needs state and federal approval before it can become final.
Hackensack Meridian has pledged $200 million for Hunterdon’s facilities, programs and the communities it serves, along with another $30 million to introduce Epic, an electronic health records system across the hospital, outpatient sites and participating physician practices.
“Today we’re making real commitments to the people of Hunterdon County and the surrounding communities,” Hackensack Meridian President and CEO Robert C. Garrett said.
“By investing in facilities, technology, and clinical programs, we’ll help ensure patients in this region can receive leading-edge care close to home, backed by the resources of our entire network,” Garrett added.
Hunterdon Health serves patients across Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, Warren and Morris counties.
The deal includes provisions intended to preserve local control. Hunterdon would retain local board oversight for six years and receive representation on Hackensack Meridian’s board of trustees and other boards and committees.
A new community advisory committee would also weigh in on local health needs, while Hunterdon Medical Center would retain its own medical staff leadership and peer-review process.
Hunterdon Health President and CEO Kristy Alfano said the agreement would allow the organization to expand its capabilities without losing its community focus.
“Joining Hackensack Meridian Health will strengthen our ability to invest in our people, expand services, and bring new technology and specialty expertise to our region,” Alfano said.
Hunterdon Medical Group would remain an employment option for physicians for at least five years, as would Hunterdon’s clinically integrated network. The Hunterdon Health Foundation would also continue operating independently to support the hospital and its services.
Hackensack Meridian already operates 18 hospitals and more than 400 patient-care locations across New Jersey.
The agreement comes four years after a proposed Hackensack Meridian merger with Englewood Hospital collapsed in 2022. The Federal Trade Commission blocked that deal, arguing it would give Hackensack control of three of Bergen County’s six hospitals.
The Hunterdon transaction now faces its own regulatory review before the two health systems can formally join forces.
