Hackensack Meridian Health announced that JFK Health will join the health system, expanding the network to 16 hospitals and 160 patient care locations.

All told, Hackensack Meridian Health will now employ nearly 33,000 team members, 6,500 staff physicians and maintain 4,520 beds.

“JFK Health and Hackensack Meridian Health share a common mission and commitment to providing high-quality care and an enhanced patient experience,” said Robert C. Garrett, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.  “As we continue to grow, we will transform health care in New Jersey and provide residents with greater access to care in hundreds of locations throughout the state.”

Hackensack Meridian Health also announced a $12 million investment in the cardiac catheterization lab at JFK Medical Center in Edison.

“In a rapidly changing health care environment, this merger strengthens and aligns our services to maximize care options for everyone from newborns to our geriatric population,” said Raymond Fredericks, president and CEO of JFK Health. “Hackensack Meridian Health’s culture of high quality care and innovation is one that matches our values and principles sustained during JFK’s 50-year history.”

Added John K. Lloyd, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.“We are thrilled to have JFK in our network. We have a long history together through out partnerships with rehabilitation and home care and we are both committed to providing the most advanced treatment.”