Hudson Regional Hospital and CarePoint Health System leaders signed a letter of intent Jan. 11 to create a new health care system serving the area called Hudson Health System.

The new, four-hospital network will include:

• Hudson Regional Hospital
• Bayonne Medical Center
• Hoboken University Medical Center
• Christ Hospital in Jersey City

Officials say Hudson Health System will continue Hudson Regional and CarePoint’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable health care for local Hudson County residents. It will include both nonprofit and for-profit hospitals in an “innovative new model” that will continue to be in-network with all major insurance carriers.

The new organizational structure and operating plan will require approval from the New Jersey Department of Health.

Hudson Regional Chairman Yan Moshe will serve in the same role for Hudson Health System, while CarePoint President and CEO Dr. Achintya Moulick will serve as president and CEO for the new entity.

“Since entering this marketplace in 2018 our team has driven a patient-focused mission that incorporates technology and engages leading health care professionals to deliver care under a new model,” said Moshe in a press release. “I am excited to bring our proven track record and experienced team in partnership with Dr. Moulick to build a high quality, stable health care system that the county deserves. We are all committed to bringing top quality care, physicians, and efficient operations that will allow us to achieve those goals.”

“Hudson County is the most diverse and dynamic community in New Jersey, and its residents deserve nothing less than exceptional care, affordable access, the most advanced specialties and technology, and the highest caliber physicians to serve patients’ needs, especially the underserved communities that rely on our families,” said Moulick. “Yan Moshe has shown the type of innovative leadership that will allow us to thrive in an ever-changing health care environment, and with adequate state support I believe we can build a hospital system that will deliver on its core mission.”

“We are grateful to Mayor Fulop and other Hudson County elected officials for their critical role in envisioning a new network that would allow these facilities and health care professionals to reach their potential,” Moshe added.

A win for Hudson County

Hudson County leaders applauded the announcement.

“It became clear over the last several months that Hudson County had an opportunity to create a dynamic new health care model. There is no greater priority than the health of our residents, and we convened the operators of our major hospitals together to create a platform that would assure quality care and enduring stability,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. “I am pleased to say that the discussions on all sides were driven by a shared commitment to the interests of the patients. It is a complex undertaking to blend facilities and cultures and managements, but out of this effort we have arrived at an admirable place: Hudson County is now a leader in community-focused care.”

“As the home of Hudson Regional Hospital, we have seen the incredible improvements that insightful health care management can bring to a community,” said Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “Now, with additional resources and a plan that will service the entire county, I look forward to even greater accomplishments and expanded services to our residents.”

“My focus has always been on ensuring that the people of Bayonne will continue to have a full-service acute care hospital here in our city, and this agreement means that Bayonne Medical Center will not just continue providing the care our residents need but will now be able to provide enhanced services to our community,” said Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. “I commend everyone involved in this landmark partnership for their tireless efforts and for ensuring that all of Hudson County’s residents have access to the medical care and services they deserve.”

“Hoboken’s primary objective has always been to ensure there is a high-functioning hospital with quality and affordable health services available to our residents,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “I’m pleased that this innovative new agreement aims to ensure that occurs to the greatest extent possible, and I look forward to staying in touch with all stakeholders to work through the details.”

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy described improving the quality of health care options and delivering better patient outcomes in Hudson County as “critically important.”

“And I’m committed to working with our team, my fellow elected officials, and state leaders to ensure that my constituents’ needs are best served,” said Guy.

“This new system expands our mutual impact far beyond and far sooner than what we could ever have achieved separately,” said Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, CEO of Hudson Regional Hospital. “The possibilities are enormous and will energize the entire medical community to deliver that much more to the patients.”

“This is an exciting moment for health care in Hudson County that will mean improved care and better patient outcomes,” said Dr. John Rimmer, CarePoint chief medical officer.

Hudson Health System leaders say that more details about the new network will be announced in the coming days.