NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—On March 31, Robert Wood Johnson Health System and Barnabas Health have merged to create “the most comprehensive health system in the state of New Jersey.”

The combined healthcare system will reach about five million people, or more than half of New Jersey’s entire population. 

It is now the state’s second-largest employer with more than 32,000 employees. 

Neither company is “buying” the other. They are undergoing what is called a “member substitution,” which means that a new organization has been created under which the two institutions will be run. 

It called RWJBarnabas Health, Inc., and it is based in West Orange.

According to the press release, the system now includes eleven acute care hospitals:

  • Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville
  • Community Medical Center in Toms River
  • Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City
  • Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch
  • Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood
  • Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark
  • RWJUH in New Brunswick and Somerville
  • RWJUH-Hamilton
  • RWJUH-Rahway
  • Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston

The organization also comprises three acute care children’s hospitals and a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital, a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, a medical group, multi-site imaging centers and four accountable care organizations.

RWJBarnabas Health is led by a single board of trustees with equal representation from RWJ and Barnabas (and each organization’s CEO), and a single leadership team composed of executives from both organizations.

Barnabas’s president and CEO Barry H. Ostrowsky is now RWJBarnabas Health’s president and CEO, while RWJ’s president and CEO Stephen K. Jones is now serving as Chief Academic Officer in the Office of the President.

“By working together, we know we can combat disease and promote wellness in our region—truly making our communities healthier,” said Mr. Ostrowsky. “We will be working every day – with your help – to ensure that our vision becomes New Jersey’s reality.”