Livingston.
ELIZABETH, N.J. — Trinitas Regional Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health have signed a letter of intent for the Elizabeth hospital and its affiliates to become a part of the largest health care system in the state, the two entities announced in a joint Oct. 10 statement.
Under the terms of the proposed merter, RWJBarnabas would become the corporate parent of Trinitas, but Trinitas would a Catholic institution and will abide by Catholic ethical and religious directives. The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth will continue to serve as the Catholic sponsor of Trinitas, and the Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation will continue to address the needs of non-profit organizations in Union County, including RWJBH/Trinitas. The Trinitas Board will continue to oversee day-to-day operations of Trinitas.
The nonbinding letter of intent sets forth a basic structure for the proposed merger and puts the institutions on a path toward reaching an agreement before the end of the year. Approvals will be necessary from state and Federal officials, the Catholic Church and others before the transaction is considered complete.
Under the terms of the preliminary agreement, Trinitas’ acute health care services for the eastern Union County community will be enhanced. RWJBH will make significant investments in Trinitas and will expand the network of outpatient services currently provided by Trinitas.
RWJBarnabas Health services nine counties in New Jersey covering 5 million people. The system includes 11 acute care hospitals, three acute care children’s hospitals, and a pediatric rehabilitation hospital, among other facilities. RWJBH has a partnership with Rutgers University, creating New Jersey’s largest academic health care system.
Trinitas is a 554-bed, Catholic, acute care teaching hospital that treats more than 400,000 outpatients per year and renders care throughout New Jersey. Additionally, Trinitas treats more than 16,000 inpatients, 1,500 newborns and accommodates 63,000 emergency visits each year. It has a statewide presence, providing care in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties through more than 80 locations. Trinitas is the result of a merger in the year 2000 between Elizabeth General Medical Center and St. Elizabeth Hospital.