Somerset Medical Center to merge with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Somerset Medical Center's Board of Trustees announced today that the medical center will pursue a merger with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick.

"Academic medical centers offer the highest quality of care, including state-of-the-art diagnostic treatment services for the most serious medical conditions, cutting edge medical research and innovative techniques to improve patient outcomes and survival rates," said Paul V. Stahlin, chairman of Somerset Medical Center's Board of Trustees. "Choosing Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital as Somerset Medical Center's partner allows us the best opportunity to continue our mission of providing premier-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Central New Jersey well into the future -- as we have for more than 100 years."

The pending merger comes at a time when hospitals of all sizes across the state and nation are re-evaluating and significantly changing their operational strategies and delivery models to cope with growing financial challenges.

"As our nation's healthcare system continues to evolve into one which ensures the health of entire populations rather than focus on delivering episodes of care, this new strategic partnership with Somerset Medical Center better enables us to care for the people of the region," stated John R. Lumpkin, MD, MPH, chairperson of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Board of Directors.

"Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Somerset Medical Center have enjoyed a long, positive relationship, working with many of the same talented physicians to serve our community," said Stephen K. Jones, president and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson Hospital and Health System. "We seek to build on this history and better position both organizations for future success."

"We are taking a very proactive approach toward strengthening our position and enhancing our ability to provide the best, most comprehensive care in current and future healthcare environments," said Ken Bateman, president and CEO of Somerset Medical Center. "Aligning with a dynamic partner such as the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, that also shares our vision, values and commitment to the communities we serve is one way in which we might best accomplish that goal."

"We are very close to finalizing the necessary definitive agreement documents between both organizations and look forward to officially sharing that news," said Stahlin.

The merger will be subject to state and federal regulatory review.