What People Are Saying About Cooper's Announcement of Intent to Acquire Lourdes Health System and St. Francis Medical Center

Cooper University Health Care Board of Trustees Chairman George E. Norcross III on August 31, 2017, announced that Cooper had signed a letter of intent to acquire Trinity Health’s New Jersey facilities, which include Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, and St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton.

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Since the announcement, Cooper has received an outpouring of support from the community and legislators throughout the state of New Jersey.

Statements of Support

“For our community and our ministry, our partnership with Cooper will create new opportunities for high-quality care and long-term growth. We are especially excited to bring our physician networks together and to develop a regional cardiac center of excellence.”
– Reginald Blaber, MD, president, Lourdes Health System

“This partnership with Cooper will continue our mission through expanded service to urban communities and a broader, ongoing commitment to charity care. Our communities will benefit from a unique combination of experience, resources and capabilities that support the long-term sustainability of our ministry. Cooper is a great match for us.”
– Vince Costantino, interim president and chief administrative officer, St. Francis Medical Center

“This announcement is exciting news for Camden and our residents. With our two leading healthcare systems joining forces, our residents will have greater access to a broader range of services – from cancer care to heart care – than ever before.”
– Dana Redd, mayor, City of Camden

“The acquisition enables both Cooper and Lourdes to flourish, and is good for the health of our residents, our economy and the future of our city. With this acquisition, Camden will be home to the fourth largest healthcare system in New Jersey, and our city will continue to rise.”
– President Frank Moran, president, Camden City Council

“Today’s announcement is an important one that unites two health care systems that already care for a significant number of residents throughout the region. The acquisition will enable them to leverage each other’s assets and talents and strengthens the access to care so greatly needed, particularly in our cities. Cooper’s presence in Camden and around the region is one of providing world-class health care; education, training and research. This news only enhances this stellar reputation and provides greater opportunities for all involved – patients, students, researchers and business owners, those here and those committed to coming to the region.”
– Anthony J. Perno III, Esq., president and CEO, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership

“I think it presents a really good opportunity for the Trenton community. You have an inquiring entity that has a lot of experience serving the needs of a city with serious economic challenges.”
– Linda Schwimmer, president and CEO, Health Care Quality Institute of New Jersey (from NJ.com)

“Lourdes and St. Francis will remain in good hands. … In today’s health care environment in New Jersey, continuing success for Lourdes and St. Francis depends on being part of a growing regional network with a strong presence in local communities.”
– Ben Carter, executive vice president, Trinity Health

“Cooper University Health Care plays a key role in improving the quality of Camden City neighborhoods and improving the quality of people’s lives. I support the efforts of Cooper University Health Care to expand their reach in providing care through the acquisition of Trinity Health’s New Jersey facilities.”
– Richard Stagliano, president and CEO, Center for Family Services, Camden

“This acquisition and expansion will create the largest health system in South Jersey and will bring significant benefits to our region. Most importantly, it will expand access to advanced healthcare services for millions of residents.”
– Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez, New Jersey Senate & General Assembly, 5th District

“I am thrilled that Cooper is making this investment. It will allow the hospitals to grow and expand and will enable residents to stay on this side of the river for advanced medical care.”
– Assemblyman Arthur Barclay, New Jersey Senate & General Assembly, 5th District

“This announcement reflects Cooper’s commitment to advancing healthcare in New Jersey and to providing the best care possible for the greatest number of people. Cooper’s investment will ensure the healthcare systems remain strong and continue to thrive.”
– Assemblywoman Patricia Egan Jones, New Jersey Senate & General Assembly, 5th District

“This is an exciting moment for the growth of world-class health care in Camden, in Trenton, and across South Jersey. Combined with the opening of the Rutgers Nursing and Science Building next to City Hall and the expansion of Rutgers University-Camden’s nursing and biomedical programs, Camden truly is at the heart of health care innovation for our region.”
– Phoebe A. Haddon, JD, LLM, chancellor, Rutgers University-Camden

“Cooper University Health Care’s announcement about their intent to acquire the Lourdes hospitals and St. Francis Medical Center is great news for the state’s health care system. As our partner in Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, we know Cooper is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to patients as a leading academic health care system. We also partner with Lourdes to teach the next generation of physicians through our Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Undoubtedly, this transaction will work to benefit all of the institutions and work to expand our reach to educate more physicians and serve more patients in New Jersey.
– Ali A. Houshmand, PhD, president, Rowan University

“Today’s announcement is an exciting one for patient care in South Jersey. Both Cooper and Lourdes have made significant investments along Cherry Hill’s ‘medical mile,’ providing patients in Cherry Hill and throughout the region with greater, more convenient access to innovative, advanced care. This acquisition solidifies Cooper’s position as a leader in health care in our region, and will only further enhance the comprehensive level of patient care and options available to residents in our community. The Township is thrilled by the news, and what it means for our residents. Congratulations to all involved.”
– Chuck Cahn, mayor, Cherry Hill Township

“The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey supports the acquisition of Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington and St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton by Cooper University Health Care. This transaction represents a significant investment and commitment from Cooper to enhancing and expanding healthcare services in South Jersey. Furthermore the acquisition will bring job opportunities economic growth to our region.”
– Debra P. DiLorenzo, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey

“Cooper has been a true community partner in the City of Camden and this announcement strengthens its commitment. I am pleased that they have decided to expand in the City to provide Camden residents with increased access to health care that will make our community stronger and healthier.”
– Sheila Roberts, president, Cooper Lanning Civic Association

“Cooper University Health Care’s acquisition of Trinity Health’s properties, creating one of the largest hospital networks and health care systems in the state, will be a tremendous benefit for the residents of South Jersey and provide world class care for the region. Cooper’s assets are already renowned with its Level 1 Trauma Center and its affiliates like MD Anderson on their Camden Campus, now they will add a first-class cardiac center and Our Lady Of Lourdes sterling reputation as one of the best Catholic hospitals in New Jersey. This deal will provide great synergies between the two systems and allow Cooper to leverage economies of scale for the residents of Camden County producing an educational, research based, consolidated university health care system that will produce great medical innovations and rewards for patients. On behalf of the Freeholder Board we applaud Cooper’s acquisition and believe it will make our county stronger, vibrant and a better place to live for all.”
– Louis Cappelli Jr., freeholder director, Camden County Board of Freeholders

“Today marks an important milestone for St. Francis Medical Center. Cooper University Health Care is a world-class health care organization, and Cooper and St. Francis share a charitable mission and long-standing history of providing quality health care to the most vulnerable in our state. Our new relationship with Cooper allows us to grow our services and provide greater access to care for those we serve. This is a momentous occasion for our health ministry and for the City of Trenton.”
– Joseph Youngblood II, chairman, St. Francis Medical Center