WILMINGTON, DE & MARLTON, NJ — ChristianaCare and Virtua Health have signed a non-binding letter of intent to explore a strategic partnership that could lead to the creation of a major regional not-for-profit health system. If finalized, the combined organization would serve patients across Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland through more than 600 sites of care and a workforce approaching 30,000 employees.
The proposed health system would bring together two widely respected providers with a shared focus on clinical innovation, patient-centered care, and workforce development. Together, the organizations support over 500 medical residents and fellows and are positioned to serve a rapidly growing and diverse population across more than ten counties.
Executives from both systems described the initiative as a bold but necessary move in a time of mounting financial and operational pressures within the healthcare sector.
“This is an exciting first step in a collaborative journey to amplify the strengths of two trusted health systems,” said Dennis W. Pullin, president and CEO of Virtua Health. “We see this as a unique opportunity to shape the future of care in this region with innovation and intention.”
Janice E. Nevin, M.D., president and CEO of ChristianaCare, echoed the sentiment, framing the initiative as an investment in long-term healthcare sustainability. “At a time of great uncertainty in health care, ChristianaCare and Virtua Health have the foresight and courage to explore what is possible,” she said.
The organizations are already known for their leadership in emerging care models such as hospital-at-home and digital-first health services. The proposed collaboration aims to build on that momentum by expanding access to urgent, primary, behavioral, and maternal care. A notable feature of the joint vision includes a maternal risk program intended to serve more than 15,000 births annually.
Board leaders from both institutions expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the partnership, citing enhanced capabilities and greater reach as key motivators.
“Our vision for this new health system — when Medicare and Medicaid are facing cuts and many hospitals are struggling to stay open — gives me hope and excitement for our future and for the health of our neighbors,” said George N. Foutrakis, chair of the ChristianaCare Health System Board.
Edward Cloues, chair of the Virtua Health Board of Trustees, described the move as a natural progression following encouraging assessments. “Our trustees are encouraged by our initial conversations which suggest we could collectively enhance our capabilities and strengthen our outreach,” he said.
Both organizations will now enter a due diligence process, with the goal of negotiating definitive agreements and securing regulatory approvals. Until then, they will continue to operate independently with no changes to day-to-day operations or patient care.
If completed, the partnership would mark a significant consolidation in the Mid-Atlantic healthcare landscape and position the combined entity as a regional leader in integrated, community-focused care delivery.
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