It’s official: Trinitas Regional Medical Center joins RWJBarnabas Health

Trinitas Regional Medical Center is now a member of RWJBarnabas Health, the state’s largest academic health system.

The addition of the Elizabeth-based hospital was announced Jan. 6.

During the official announcement, which was streamed, leaders from both organizations stressed the shared outlook of the institutions. “Today we celebrate joint missions, joint cultures, joint commitment,” RWJBarnabas President and Chief Executive Officer Barry Ostrowsky said during the broadcast.

According to the announcement, the pairing will increase health care access in North and Central Jersey while expanding outreach to underserved communities, targeting cardiac care, oncology, emergency services, renal care/dialysis, women’s health, wound care, behavioral health and more.

As part of RWJBarnbas, the system said communities served by Trinitas can expect:

• Expanded clinical services and strategic investments to ensure the hospital remains the region’s “trusted safety-net provider.”
• Improved outcomes for diverse patient populations.
• Increased access to RWJBarnabas Health’s research and academic expertise.
• Enhanced ability to attract, retain and train health care experts.
• A heightened focus on community and mission-based programs to help serve local communities, particularly those in need.

In a statement, Ostrowsky said that the addition will enhance the system’s commitment to research, and clinical and academic excellence.

“Each organization has long histories of delivering health care to urban and underserved communities, and together we shall make New Jersey an even better place to live,” he said.

Like RWJBarnabas – as exemplified with its relationship with Rutgers University – Trinitas also shares a commitment to academia. Its Trinitas School of Nursing, which offers a cooperative education program with Union County College, is a regional leader in training nurses.

“We are excited to officially be part of RWJBarnabas Health,” said Trinitas President and CEO Gary Horan, who will remain in his roles with the hospital. “Our chief goal is to provide excellent care for our community and being the newest member of the RWJBarnabas Health family gives us the resources and opportunities to enhance the already high level of care we provide.”

Chair of the Trinitas Board of Trustees Victor Richel will also remain in that position, in addition to serving on the parent board of RWJBarnabas Health.

RWJBarnabas and Trinitas entered into a merger agreement in November of 2020 after signing a letter of intent to explore a potential transaction in October 2019.

The hospital will continue to adhere to the standards of care from the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, with Catholic oversight from the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. Throughout the city, facilities will also retain the Trinitas Regional Medical Center name as they transition to RWJBarnabas Health branding.

At the conclusion of the announcement Ostrowsky and Horan framed a screen to jointly unveil the new signage at Trinitas Regional Medical Center.

“This is truly a match made in heaven,” Ostwosky said.