Last May, Capital Health and St. Francis Medical Center, a member of Trinity Health, signed a letter of intent under which the latter would become part of the former.
On Jan. 19, the providers said they entered into a definitive agreement to move forward with Capital Health’s acquisition of St. Francis.
During the preceding due diligence period, the parties evaluated how to enhance capabilities while achieving their shared mission of serving Trenton and its surrounding communities. According to Capital Health and St. Francis, their collaboration will create an integrated, comprehensive and sustainable nonprofit health care system for the area.
“Over the last several years, as Capital Health has continued to grow and expand its geography, one thing I have been very clear on is our enduring commitment to Trenton,” said Capital Health President and Chief Executive Officer Al Maghazehe in a statement.
“This undertaking demonstrates that and will be complemented by other significant investments Capital Health will make to develop programs focusing on the broader needs of our neighbors, bringing a holistic approach to their well-being,” he continued. “We are truly excited for this next chapter in health care for our region.”
The agreement now moves ahead through required state and federal regulatory approvals, a process that can take more than a year.
In addition to St. Francis Medical Center, the acquisition will include related operations LIFE St. Francis, St. Francis Medical Associates, St. Francis’ Schools of Nursing and Radiologic Technology, and its internal medical residency program.
Moen
Capital Health highlighted “preserving and strengthening health care services in Trenton” as a priority. The system plans to offer integrated services, as a result of the combination, and tertiary levels of care to meet the needs of area residents.
“In completing the due diligence process, we have concluded months of planning and discussion and can now start a plan to bring our organizations together with a goal of greater care options for the community,” said St. Francis Medical Center President and CEO Daniel Moen in a statement.
The acquisition will bring together St. Francis’ specialized cardiac services with Capital Health’s own specialty lines, including neuroscience, trauma, cancer, maternity and orthopedics, while preserving emergency and behavioral health services programs.
Services will also align with Capital Health Medical Group, made of up more than 20 primary care physicians and dozens of specialty practices across the region.
