The merger between two southern New Jersey health systems reached its final milestone last week after a year and a half of negotiations and regulatory reviews.
Effective July 1, Cape Regional Health System, a leading health care organization serving Cape May and Atlantic counties, officially joined Camden-based Cooper University Health Care.
The Coastal Health System’s 213-bed flagship hospital, Cape Regional Medical Center at Cape May Court House, has been renamed Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional.
In a statement, Garry Gilbert, former chair of the Cape Regional Board, called it a “new chapter for healthcare” in the region and said the combined systems will be able to “serve even more people.”
Christine Winn, Cooper’s senior vice president and regional director, will oversee the health system’s operations in Cape May and Atlantic counties.
“The entire Cooper team looks forward to collaborating with our new team members in Cape May County to improve access to the highest levels of care and enrich the health care experience for the residents of Cape May and Atlantic counties,” she said in a press release.
A merger project has been announced for 2022
In addition to the Cape Regional Hospital, which includes a cancer and surgery center, Cooper also acquired the system’s three urgent care centers, several outpatient primary and specialty care practices and other health services in the region.
