Hackensack Meridian Health
The year 2016 marked a turning point for healthcare in New Jersey when Hackensack University Medical Center and Meridian Health joined forces. This merger created the largest healthcare provider in the state, based out of Edison. Before this union, these two systems operated independently across different regions of New Jersey. The combined entity aimed to create one integrated network for healthcare delivery throughout the entire state. Since acquiring JFK Medical Center in Edison, the organization has grown significantly in size and scope. Members now include academic centers, acute care facilities, and research hospitals working under a single umbrella. The partnership brought together distinct histories into a unified mission to serve communities from Bergen to Atlantic counties.
As of November 2021, HMH operates 17 hospitals with more than 36,000 employees supporting its operations. The network spans over 500 other facilities including ambulatory care centers, fitness and wellness centers, home health services, rehab centers, and skilled nursing centers. These locations stretch geographically from Bergen County all the way to Atlantic County along the coast. In Fall 2021, seven of its affiliate hospitals received an 'A' grade from Hospital Safety Grade. U.S. News & World Report listed five of the hospitals in the HMH network as best ranked in New Jersey that same year. Prior to the pharmacy chain's bankruptcy and store closures, HMH ran clinics at certain Rite Aid outlets in New Jersey to treat minor health issues. Primary care physicians became available through these partnerships for more serious conditions and urgent care needs.
On the 2nd of December 2019, a ransomware attack compromised computer systems across Hackensack Meridian Health facilities. The cyber incident lasted five days and affected anything with computer software installed on hospital networks. Administrators canceled roughly 100 elective medical procedures during this disruption while they worked to restore access to critical data. They chose to pay the ransom of an undisclosed amount to regain control of their systems. A statement released on December 13 declared, We believe it is our obligation to protect our communities access to health care. By 2021, HMH was among the first hospital organizations to completely switch its computing hardware to ChromeOS devices. The organization employed Google Cloud to increase cyber security measures across all departments. Machine learning and healthcare artificial intelligence were deployed to expedite diagnostic decisions and assist with clinical treatments. Artificial intelligence now assists in newborn screening, mammography screening, prostate cancer screening, sepsis detection and COVID-19 detection protocols.
In 2021, the HMH network was awarded more than US$100 million in funds for FEMA emergency relief efforts. During that same year, the system treated more than 10,000 patients seeking care for coronavirus symptoms. After the CDC approved the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5, 11, the first vaccines administered to that age group were at HMH's Jersey Shore University Medical Center. HMH mandated that every one of its employees be fully vaccinated by the 15th of November 2021. Though 70% of all health workers were vaccinated by July 2021, there remained resistance among staff members. Some concerns centered on fears regarding vaccination causing sterility issues among medical personnel. The organization navigated these challenges while maintaining high standards of patient safety during a global health crisis.
HMH and the New York Giants work together on various projects for health education, disease prevention, clinical research and philanthropic opportunities. In 2021, the MetLife Stadium Legacy Club was renamed the Hackensack Meridian Health Legacy Club at MetLife Stadium. The naming rights were formerly held by New York-Presbyterian Hospital before this transition occurred. Eli Manning, a retired player for the Giants, joined HMH's board of trustees in 2021. The HMH Foundation oversees and organizes 10 separate localized hospital foundations within its network. Substantial gifts received in 2021 are earmarked by donors for cardiac treatment research and COVID-19 PPE supplies. An initiative called Tackle Kids' Cancer raises funds for the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center. These partnerships extend beyond traditional healthcare boundaries to support broader community wellness initiatives across New Jersey.
On the 3rd of January 2019, HMH finalized a merger with Carrier Clinic, a psychiatric healthcare provider based in Belle Mead. Plans established behavioral health urgent care centers throughout New Jersey and set up tele-psychiatry services for patients. HMH promised to invest US$25 million in the Belle Mead campus for upgraded infrastructure and expanded service offerings. On the 15th of October 2019, HMH announced a merger with Englewood Health, a healthcare provider located in Bergen County. The organization agreed to invest $400 million into the facility to create new operating rooms and larger cardiac catheterization labs. In December 2020, it was announced that the Federal Trade Commission would be suing HMH to block the merger due to monopolistic practices. The planned merger between HMH and Englewood Health was officially called off in 2022 after regulatory challenges arose. Earlier efforts included a November 2006 memorandum of understanding with Pascack Valley Hospital to possibly acquire the hospital from Well Care Group Inc.
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Common questions
When did Hackensack Meridian Health merge with Meridian Health?
Hackensack Meridian Health merged with Meridian Health in 2016. This union created the largest healthcare provider in New Jersey based out of Edison.
How many hospitals does Hackensack Meridian Health operate as of November 2021?
As of November 2021, Hackensack Meridian Health operates 17 hospitals. The network also spans over 500 other facilities including ambulatory care centers and skilled nursing centers.
What happened to Hackensack Meridian Health computer systems on the 2nd of December 2019?
A ransomware attack compromised computer systems across Hackensack Meridian Health facilities on the 2nd of December 2019. Administrators canceled roughly 100 elective medical procedures during this five-day disruption while they worked to restore access to critical data.
Why was the merger between Hackensack Meridian Health and Englewood Health called off?
The planned merger between Hackensack Meridian Health and Englewood Health was officially called off in 2022 after regulatory challenges arose. The Federal Trade Commission sued Hackensack Meridian Health in December 2020 to block the merger due to monopolistic practices.
When did Hackensack Meridian Health finalize its merger with Carrier Clinic?
Hackensack Meridian Health finalized a merger with Carrier Clinic on the 3rd of January 2019. This psychiatric healthcare provider is based in Belle Mead and received an investment of US$25 million for infrastructure upgrades.