ChristianaCare, Virtua Exploring Merger Possibilities

Wilmington, Del.-based ChristianaCare and Marlton, N.J.-based Virtua Health are exploring a merger that would provide care across more than 10 contiguous counties in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland, with more than 600 sites of care, nearly 30,000 employees, and academic programs supporting more than 500 residents and fellows.

ChristianaCare includes an extensive network of primary care and outpatient services, home healthcare, urgent care centers, three hospitals (1,430 beds), a freestanding emergency department, a Level I trauma center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care and women’s health.

ChristianaCare serves as the Delaware Branch Campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical School of Thomas Jefferson University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with more than 260 residents and fellows and a physician network with more than 1,300 providers.

Virtua's network includes five hospitals (1,492 beds), two freestanding emergency departments, 42 ambulatory surgery centers, 38 primary care locations, 30 physical therapy and rehabilitation practices, and over 400 additional sites. Virtua is academically affiliated with Rowan University and also partners with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics. 



Both organizations say their shared vision includes a commitment to create more convenient access to urgent, primary, and behavioral care and to improve the health of moms and babies through a proposed maternal risk program that would support more than 15,000 births per year.

“This is an exciting first step in a collaborative journey to amplify the strengths of two trusted health systems,” said Dennis W. Pullin, president and CEO of Virtua Health, in a statement. “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.”

“The future of quality healthcare 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., M.P.H., president and CEO of ChristianaCare, in a statement. “At a time of great uncertainty in healthcare, 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.”

Both parties will now engage in due diligence with the intention of negotiating and signing definitive agreements and seeking regulatory approvals. Both ChristianaCare and Virtua Health will continue to operate as separate, independent entities while they explore this potential arrangement.