Virtua Health and ChristianaCare are discussing a new nonprofit venture. What we know.
Virtua Health and ChristianaCare are in talks to co-found a new regional nonprofit health system that would provide care to more than 600 sites in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The two health care players, based in Marlton, New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware, signed a non-binding letter of intent to explore the idea of the co-founded health system, according to a July 16 joint press release.
If established, the new health system would not only serve more than 10 contiguous counties throughout the states, but would also support nearly 30,000 employees, plus 500 residents and fellows through academic programs, the press release said.
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In addition, the prospective system includes a proposed maternal risk program to support more than 15,000 mothers and babies yearly.
Dennis W. Pullin, president and chief executive officer of Virtua Health, called the signing an “exciting first step” in the release.
“We see this as a unique opportunity to shape the future of care in this region with innovation and intention,” Pullin said.
Janice E. Nevin, president and chief executive officer of ChristianaCare shared this same sentiment.
“At a time of great uncertainty in health care, ChristianaCare and Virtua Health have the foresight and courage to explore what is possible,” Nevin said.
The partnership is one that health network executives said has the potential to “multiply excellence” in the sector by making health care easier to navigate, more personalized and convenient, building on the expertise from both Virtua Health and ChristianaCare.
The announcement also comes as U.S. President Donal Trump’s latest legislation package, dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” threatens health care coverage across the country with cuts to Medicaid and Medicare funding.
In the press release, George N. Foutrakis, chair of the ChristianaCare Health System Board, addressed the hardships being faced within the realm of health and patient care.
“Our vision for this new health system — when Medicare and Medicaid are facing cuts and many hospitals are struggling to stay open — gives me hope and excitement for our future and for the health of our neighbors,” Foutrakis said.
Though the co-signed letter of intention is non-binding, representatives of both networks seem hopeful in the potential of this new vision.
Moving forward, the release stated, both Virtua Health and ChristianaCare will operate separately and independently while continuing to negotiate, seek regulatory approvals and sign various definitive agreements.
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Virtua Health, ChristianaCare in talks for new regional health system
