ChristianaCare and Virtua Health explore creation of regional nonprofit health system

Leaders from ChristianaCare and Virtua Health announce plans to explore the creation of a regional nonprofit health system, aimed at expanding access to care across four states. (Photo courtesy ChristianCare)

ChristianaCare and Virtua Health have announced they’ve signed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to explore the formation of a new regional nonprofit health system, a potential partnership that would bring together two major healthcare providers to serve communities across Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

If finalized, the partnership would create an expansive system spanning more than 10 contiguous counties, with over 600 sites of care, nearly 30,000 employees, and academic programs supporting more than 500 residents and fellows. Both health systems say the move would multiply their strengths and enhance access to high-quality, innovative care.

“The future of quality health care in America will be shaped by those who take action today to invest in, care for, and be a champion for the needs of patients,” said Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare. “At a time of great uncertainty in health care, ChristianaCare and Virtua Health have the foresight and courage to explore what is possible. We are excited to take this bold step to double down on our mission, multiply our excellence and ensure our legacy of high-quality care in our local communities for generations to come.”

“This is an exciting first step in a collaborative journey to amplify the strengths of two trusted health systems,” added Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, 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. Together, we aim to create an integrated regional health system built on human connection, clinical excellence and a deep commitment to all people in the communities we serve.”

Branded under the theme “Excellence Multiplied,” the future entity would be guided by a shared vision to make health care more convenient, personalized, and easier to navigate for patients and families. The organizations emphasized their ongoing commitment to:

Expanding access to urgent, primary, and behavioral health services
Improving maternal and infant health, with more than 15,000 births expected annually across the system
Educating and training the next generation of health care professionals for long-term sustainability

Both ChristianaCare and Virtua are nationally recognized for developing innovative care delivery models, such as hospital-at-home services and virtual health platforms, and are known for combining clinical excellence with community outreach.

“This collaboration is about two vibrant organizations coming together and doing even more for a growing number of communities we serve,” said George N. Foutrakis, chair of the ChristianaCare Health System Board. “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.”

“We’ve reached an important stage,” added Edward Cloues, chair of the Virtua Health Board of Trustees. “Both organizations are signaling the desire to continue a thorough and strategic exploration of what would be possible if we joined two legacies of health care excellence. Our trustees are encouraged by our initial assessments and conversations, which suggest we could collectively enhance our capabilities and strengthen our outreach to the communities who depend on us.”

The letter of intent begins a period of due diligence, during which the two organizations will work toward negotiating a definitive agreement and seek regulatory approvals. Both ChristianaCare and Virtua Health will continue to operate as independent entities during this exploratory phase, with patient care and day-to-day operations remaining unchanged.