Posted by A proposed deal between two health systems would close St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, sending some of its services across town.
Capital Health has entered into a purchase agreement with Trinity Health — which owns St. Francis — to buy the medical facility, a St. Francis spokeswoman told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday.
The hospital “has been struggling financially for several years and is not viable in the long term,” the spokeswoman said in a statement.
Certain services provided by St. Francis will move to another Trenton hospital, Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
“Capital Health is entering into the transaction to acquire St. Francis with a shared goal: preservation of services to the vulnerable and underserved, and ensuring and enhancing patient access to comprehensive, integrated, high-quality care,” the statement said.
A purchase price was not disclosed. The deal is still in the approval process.
“Subject to regulatory approvals, including approval by the NJ Department of Health, we anticipate that Capital Health Regional Medical Center … will become the new location for most services currently provided at SFMC,” St. Francis said in the statement.
Some of the details regarding the transfer of services are still being worked out. They will be announced when they are finalized, according to officials.
Trinity Health — which is based in Michigan — will keep ownership of the St. Francis property, the spokeswoman said. The health system “plans to eventually demolish the physical structures once they are no longer needed. Trinity will work with the City to determine the best use of” the land, she added.
Engineering studies have found the building — while currently safe and functional — is not viable in the long term, the hospital said.
But the facility could be used for a time.
“We anticipate that other services, such as a Satellite Emergency Department, would continue at the current SFMC site for a short period of time, and then transition to new ambulatory/emergency care locations that are easily accessible to the patients currently served by St. Francis,” the statement said.
In the meanwhile, Capital Health Regional Medical Center is planning capital projects to make room for the “essential services currently provided at St. Francis, and to meet the needs of patients,” the statement said.
“Plans are also continuing regarding emergency care, including Capital Health’s intention to develop a Satellite Emergency Department near the St. Francis campus,” the spokeswoman added. “Planning will continue and be refined as we work through the review process, and receive additional information.”
Spencer Kent may be reached at [email protected].
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