Capital Health and St. Francis Medical Center, a member of Trinity Health, have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI). Under this LOI, St. Francis Medical Center will become a part of Capital Health. The non-binding LOI is the first step in evaluating and designing a framework that will enhance health care services and create a new model of care for residents of Trenton and the surrounding area. The goal is to work toward a definitive agreement that will create a more comprehensive and sustainable health care system for our community.
“From its founding as the city’s first hospital in 1874 to its important role as an acute care teaching hospital and Mercer County’s only provider of comprehensive cardiac surgery, St. Francis Medical Center has always put the needs of Trenton and surrounding neighborhoods first,” said Al Maghazehe, President and CEO of Capital Health. “This approach aligns very well with Capital Health’s mission, and we are committed to our shared vision of providing the highest level of care for the community.”
“The health care industry is always evolving to advance medicine and improve delivery of care to the communities we serve,” said Samuel J. Plumeri, Jr., chairman of Capital Healthcare, Inc. Board of Trustees. “The changes we’re seeing here in Mercer County are a reflection of what’s going on nationally, but our neighbors in Trenton and nearby communities can rest assured that we will continue to keep their interests at the center of all we do.”
Both hospitals are known for providing advanced care and for ensuring local access to high-quality, comprehensive and affordable health care services.
“Both Capital Health and St. Francis Medical Center are deeply committed to caring for residents of our community,” said Daniel P. Moen, President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Francis Medical Center. “The rapidly changing healthcare landscape presents challenges, but it is through a shared mission that both organizations look to expand services and positively impact the health and well-being of local and regional residents.”
“As a safety net hospital, ensuring the community has access to care is the heart of our mission,” said Joseph Youngblood, II, J.D., Ph.D., Chairman, Board of Trustees, St. Francis Medical Center. “In response to a broad national transformation of health care, we look to combine our strengths with those of Capital, a healthcare leader, and grow services for our residents. Together, we are steadfast in our commitment to provide area residents, including the underserved with high-quality, comprehensive care and to improve the delivery of healthcare for our community. Our partnership with Capital Health will be a fitting legacy to the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for their decades of service to Trenton and Mercer County.”
Capital Health and St. Francis now enter a period of due diligence. The process includes evaluation and discussion to determine how to best combine and enhance their capabilities to more effectively fulfill their missions to the citizens of Trenton and the surrounding area. Approvals will be necessary from State and Federal officials and others before the transaction is able to be completed. The new combined system will be secular (Non-Catholic).
Throughout the process, Capital Health and St. Francis remain committed to sustaining and advancing the comprehensive, high-quality services they provide to residents of the greater Trenton area. Areas of focus will include exploring opportunities to expand access to care and improved efficiency in health care delivery.
