Norwalk Hospital Parent Company Nuvance Health Merges With Northwell Health

NORWALK, CT — Nuvance Health, the parent company of Norwalk and Danbury hospitals, announced Wednesday the completion of a merger with Northwell Health.

According to a news release provided by Northwell Health, the two nonprofit health systems have officially joined together to form a new integrated regional health system that will enhance care for communities across greater New York and Connecticut, serving a population of more than 13 million.

The integrated system, with a combined $22.6 billion operating budget, now encompasses over 104,000 employees, a diverse network of 22,000 nurses and 13,500 providers at 28 hospitals, more than 1,050 ambulatory care and 73 urgent care locations while tapping into the world-class expertise of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, according to Northwell Health.

"Today marks a commitment to the future of healthcare in the region," Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling said in a news release. "This partnership opens a new and exciting chapter for Northwell Health and Nuvance Health to take patient care and services to an even higher level. We already had similar missions in providing high-quality care for patients in the communities we serve, and we look forward to building on the world class care that Nuvance Health's staff members and providers deliver every day. We’re excited to move forward, united in our vision to transform healthcare and build a healthier future for the residents of Connecticut and New York."

The New York State Department of Health and Connecticut Office of Health Strategy, along with the attorneys general of each state, approved plans for the integrated health system, which received final clearance after the board of trustees from both organizations voted to move forward.

As part of the agreement, Northwell Health will invest at least $1 billion in Nuvance Health hospitals, according to Northwell Health.

"At Nuvance Health, we have always been deeply committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to our communities," Nuvance Health CEO John Murphy said in a news release. "Joining forces with Northwell Health strengthens our ability to meet the evolving needs of patients and ensures we can provide exceptional care for generations to come. This is a transformative moment for our patients, employees and the communities we serve."

According to Northwell Health, both nonprofit health systems reaffirm their commitments to the goals and objectives of the new integrated health system:

Deliver Extraordinary Clinical Care to Patients

With increased capacity to invest in medical advancements and innovation, the integrated system will better serve patients in their respective markets and communities. With Nuvance Health joining Northwell Health, patients will have enhanced access to coordinated care in their local communities at more than 1,050 sites across Connecticut, New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley. The care delivered in these sites will span the full range of ambulatory, hospital and post-acute services.

Create Healthier Communities

Combining Nuvance Health with the resources of Northwell Health will enable the organizations to meet the evolving, varied needs of local communities more quickly, more efficiently and more effectively. Together, both organizations can make significant improvements to health outcomes and address health disparities across the communities they serve. As nonprofit organizations, Northwell and Nuvance Health will also continue to provide care to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Advance Medical Innovation

By joining Northwell Health, Nuvance Health will gain access to the clinical, operating and financial resources of one of the nation’s most comprehensive and integrated health systems. Combining clinical and technical capabilities and expertise from both organizations will help drive even greater innovation, enhanced care and services offerings. Building on each organization’s research, education and clinical care infrastructure, the combined entity will accelerate innovation in patient care and advance medical research that can help transform lives.

Recruit Top Talent

An increased opportunity for Nuvance Health to attract and retain top talent, including medical, surgical and research specialists as well as nurses, allied health and business professionals. By coming together, medical staff and team members will have professional growth opportunities, new career opportunities and the chance to work with some of the best in the industry. This could include academic pathways for health professionals to acquire additional degrees and for new graduates to fill high-demand positions.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity to build a more integrated, regionally connected health system across New York and Connecticut," Northwell Health Board of Trustees Chair Margaret Crotty said in a news release. "It is based on our aligned commitments to expanding access to excellent care, and to recruiting and retaining the best clinical talent. The Northwell Health board is confident this new partnership will bring great value to both organizations."

Nuvance Health is a system of award-winning nonprofit hospitals and outpatient healthcare services throughout the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut, including Danbury Hospital and its New Milford campus, Norwalk Hospital and Sharon Hospital in Sharon.

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians.

More information is available at northwell.edu and nuvancehealth.org.