The Hackensack Meridian system also includes a network of physician practices, ambulatory surgery centers, home care, long-term care and assisted living facilities, ambulance services, fitness and wellness centers and outpatient centers. The combined entity will employ more than 33,000 team members and over 7,000 physicians on staff.

HACKENSACK, NJ—The Hackensack Meridian Health system and community hospital JFK Health in Edison said Tuesday they had agreed to merge. Terms were not disclosed; the merger continues the trend of healthcare operators' consolidation in New Jersey and nationally.

The two not-for-profit health networks first announced in November that they were exploring a merger. Since then, “a thorough review of clinical, regulatory, service, and financial issues” was conducted, according to the announcement Tuesday.

“In a rapidly changing health care environment that stresses the efficient delivery of care, this merger strengthens and aligns our two organizations to maximize our population health initiatives and increase access for everyone,” says Raymond Fredericks, president and CEO of JFK Health. “Hackensack Meridian Health's culture of caring is one that matches our values and principles sustained during JFK's 50-year history.”

With the addition of JFK Health, Hackensack Meridian Health will consist of 15 hospitals throughout New Jersey. They include two academic medical centers, Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack and Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune; two children's hospitals, Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack and K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune; and 11 community hospitals: Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood and now JFK Medical Center in Edison, which increases Hackensack Meridian's presence in Central Jersey.

The Hackensack Meridian system also includes a network of physician practices, ambulatory surgery centers, home care, long-term care and assisted living facilities, ambulance services, fitness and wellness centers and outpatient centers. The combined entity will employ more than 33,000 team members and over 7,000 physicians on staff.