Nuvance Health set to join Northwell Health in integrated regional system

Photo: From left, John M. Murphy, MD, president and CEO of Nuvance Health, shakes hands with Northwell president and CEO Michael Dowling at a signing ceremony. 

Photo: Courtesy Northwell Health

Northwell Health and Nuvance Health, both nonprofits, have entered into a strategic agreement to form a new integrated regional health system serving communities across two states. The proposed agreement will allow the organizations to come together formally once regulatory approvals are squared away.

The two organizations contend that their combined strengths will help to advance the level of care for patients in New York and Connecticut, where respectively, Northwell and Nuvance are headquartered. The new regional system will boast a network of 14,500 providers and more than 1,000 sites of care, including 28 hospitals.

Northwell said it will make significant investments in Nuvance Health, "helping it continue to evolve as a high-quality and comprehensive healthcare system."

"By joining forces with Northwell Health, we are taking a giant leap forward in our shared mission to enhance the quality, accessibility and equity of the health care we provide to our communities," said Dr. John M. Murphy, president and CEO of Nuvance Health. "This agreement enables us to make significant improvements to health outcomes for community hospitals and to deliver unparalleled care and drive positive change in the healthcare landscape."

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

Northwell and Nuvance highlighted a few perceived benefits of the new integrated health system, including increased capacity to invest in medical advancements and innovation. Local communities would have access to coordinated care across western Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island, the systems said. The care delivered in these sites would span the full range of ambulatory, hospital and post-acute services.

Joining Northwell would give Nuvance Health access to the former's clinical, operating and financial resources, which would combine purchasing power – which the systems said would help to drive greater integration, in part by building on each organization's research, education and clinical care infrastructure.

The systems said the agreement would also aid in efforts to attract and retain top talent, including physicians, nurses, surgical and research specialists as well as allied health and business professionals. By coming together, they said, medical staff and employees would have greater professional growth opportunities and new career prospects, which could include academic pathways for health professionals to acquire additional degrees and for new graduates to fill high-demand positions.

As nonprofit organizations, Northwell and Nuvance Health would also continue to provide care to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, the organizations said. 

"This partnership opens a new and exciting chapter for Northwell and Nuvance Health and provides an incredible opportunity to enhance both health systems and take patient care and services to an even higher level," said Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health.

THE LARGER TREND

Northwell Health recently completed construction of a $560 million, 288,000-square-foot surgical tower at North Shore University Hospital. It called the tower "one of the most significant projects of its kind" in the New York Metro area. About 40% of all patients at NSUH come from Queens, while another 5% travel more than 100 miles to seek care there, the health system said.

NSUH, which has 756 licensed beds and treats more than 90,000 patients each year, is home to the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital (SABHH), the Katz Women's Hospital, neurosurgery, multi-organ transplant services and a busy emergency department. NSUH is a Magnet-recognized hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which spotlights excellence in nursing.

In 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services gave the hospital its highest 5-star rating, while US News & World Report named the hospital No. 1 in New York State and top 22 nationally.

Last Fall Northwell said it was investing $350 million over the next five years and launching a $150 million fundraising campaign to expand pediatric behavioral health services across its footprint. The plan includes a $350 million investment from Northwell toward capital, programs, services and operating costs, as well as a goal to fundraise $150 million through philanthropy.

ON THE RECORD

"This agreement marks an important milestone for both Nuvance Health and Northwell, mission-driven organizations with similar values and an optimistic vision for the future of health care," said Margaret Crotty, chair of the Northwell Board of Trustees. "Together we can create something truly special – an integrated health system that is even better positioned to care for the communities we serve"

"Our collaboration with Northwell Health builds upon the strong foundation of our ongoing relationship," said Anne Roby, chair of the Nuvance Health Board of Directors. "Together, we will address the evolving needs of our communities more efficiently and effectively, ensuring the delivery of compassionate, high-quality care locally."
 

Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.