As of July 1, the highly anticipated merger of Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health will be in full operation.The two organizations announced Tuesday that they have received final approval to form Hackensack Meridian Health.  

The partnership was first announced in October 2014 and will officially come together under the leadership of co-CEOs Robert Garrett, current Hackensack CEO, and John Lloyd, current Meridian CEO — who will stay in the position for the next two and a half years.

“These are two patient-centric and financially strong health networks that uphold their missions and deliver on their promises,” Lloyd said. “I’m convinced that, with our combined talent and shared vision, we can continue to transform health care delivery through innovation, technology and education.”

In addition, a board of trustees equally represented by both organizations has been created, co-chaired by Gordon Litwin and Joseph Simunovich — currently board chairs of Meridian and Hackensack, respectively.

There is also a new position in the new entity: an Office of Experience with an appointed chief experience officer.

The new network includes:

• $4.3 billion net revenue;
• 27,986 employees;
• 6,000 physicians;
• 4,000-plus beds;
• Medical school in partnership with Seton Hall University;
• 13 hospitals: two academic medical centers, two children’s hospitals and nine acute care hospitals;
• Physician practices;
• More than 120 ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities;
• Ambulance services;
• Air medical transportation;
• Fitness and wellness centers;
• Rehabilitation centers;
• Urgent care and after-hours centers.

“There has never been a more exciting time in health care. By harnessing the collective knowledge and resources of both Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health, we are creating a world-class health network,” said Garrett.

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett said: “Across the country, health care organizations are partnering to increase access to care, reduce costs and improve clinical outcomes. We welcome the new Hackensack Meridian Health merger, which will help ensure that New Jersey hospitals and health systems remain ahead of the curve in comprehensive health care delivery.”

Betsy Ryan, CEO and president of the New Jersey Hospital Association, added: “Hospitals nationwide are pursuing new affiliations to ensure they are positioned to continue providing high-quality, efficient health care. New Jersey is fortunate to have strong health care partners, such as Hackensack and Meridian, coming together to deliver excellent care all across the state.” 

“This merger is a significant change for employees, patients and the communities served by the new health system, and it is essential that health care workers retain their right to speak up for their patients and their professions. HPAE, New Jersey’s largest health care union, represents 2,300 workers in the newly formed Hackensack Meridian Health System in four health care facilities in the system, including Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center, Palisades Medical Center and the Harborage House,” the union said in a statement.