After months of negotiations, Elizabeth, N.J.-based Trinitas Regional Health Network has signed a letter of intent to join Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health System in West Orange, N.J.
Under the agreement, RWJBarnabas will become the parent company of Trinitas, a 554-bed Catholic acute care teaching facility. Trinitas will remain a Catholic institution, and its board will maintain oversight of the day-to-day operations of the facility.
According to the letter of intent, RWJBarnabas plans to invest money into the medical center and its affiliates for expansion.
The two parties expect to reach a definitive agreement before the end of the year.
RWJBarnabas is an academic medical system comprising 11 acute care hospitals, three acute care children’s hospitals and a pediatric rehabilitation hospital, among other physician practices and outpatient clinics.
HENRY KOTULA 