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CHS History
Two proud histories - one bright future
With over a century of service to Mercer and Bucks Counties, both Helene Fuld and Mercer Medical Centers shared traditions of caring. With the vision of building on that service into the millennium, they came together in December of 1997 to form Capital Health System (CHS). The new organization is comprised of 589-beds, employs nearly 3,000 employees, and generates over 200 million dollars in annual revenue. But more importantly it is guided by the belief that CHS be dedicated to healthcare needs of the communities that it serves. That level of determination and commitment is the very soul of Capital Health System.
An era of managed care brings Helene Fuld and Mercer together
By the late 1980s the tremendous explosion of managed care onto the healthcare landscape has thrown the industry into a revolution of change. While New Jersey remains regulated today, the pressure from HMOs, the continuing technological progress, and the struggles of Medicaid and Medicare, provided the impetus for the creation of numerous healthcare systems. Recognizing that it would be favorable to develop a new paradigm from a strong financial position, both Mercer and Helene Fuld Medical Centers began the process of seeking a partner who would share the same vision and dedication to the needs of the community. They found what they were looking for in one another.
In August of 1996, the institutions announced the signing of a binding memorandum of understanding to consolidate both organizations into one new company.
Capital Health System
At the onset of this process, the two organizations formulated a shared vision to support and further their common and unifying missions, and thereby better serve the community. This mission is to improve the quality, extend the scope, and enhance the accessibility of affordable healthcare and healthcare related services and to advance medical, nursing, and health education training and research.
This mission was translated into System goals which served as the basis of the activities undertaken during the Business Planning process. The goals that the consolidated System has dedicated itself to achieving are:
- Meet the defined healthcare needs of the combined service more economically and efficiently while maintaining financial viability
- Build collaborative relationships with physicians and other healthcare providers to improve the health status of the individuals and communities it serves
- Improve healthcare services for the community, especially for the poor and underserved.
Mercer County will directly benefit from a reduction in healthcare costs, expanded levels of services, enhancements in service quality and outcomes, and improved access to healthcare services. Specifically, the benefits associate with the merger are:
- improving value and convenience to consumers through development of a seamless integrated delivery system that is responsive to patient and payer requirements for demonstrated quality and value
- ensuring the continued local availability of high quality, technologically advanced clinical services, programs and facilities while minimizing duplication
- strengthening capabilities for effective process and outcomes assessment
- sharing information regarding most effective practices in management, governance, and patient
- streamlining and simplifying organizational structure.
Branding a new corporate ID
Extensive, indepth, interviews were conducted by a communications committee to ascertain the expectations of the community as it related to the image and identity of the new organization and its performance of as a community-focused healthcare delivery system.
Clearly, the community wanted the consolidated entity to continue its close ties to the city of Trenton, and also contain within its title, the newfound strength and status of the organization. The internal groups wanted a name that would illustrate the evolution of the company from medical centers to a healthcare provider that would continue to grow and enhance services. The name, Capital Health System, was tested and received overwhelming support. The new company logo combines the two charter organizations' previous logos.
CHS marks six months of operations
After only six months, CHS had already conquered many hurdles. The organizational structure of the new company has been designed and Capital Health System is beginning to take shape as one of the region’s largest private employers and as a leading healthcare provider. The System has, in just the short few months of its existence, identified nearly $6.0 million dollars in annual savings. This is being achieved without the elimination of services or staff.
Combined policies, benefits, and salary ranges are nearly finished as CHS completed an outstanding survey by the Joint Commission Association on Healthcare Organizations in July, and its Fuld Campus was designated as New Jersey’s newest Level II Trauma Center.
Capital Health System - Expect great things
Financial strength, combined with an outstanding staff of compassionate professionals, CHS is poised to face the challenges and seize the opportunities the year 2000 will bring. Rooted in a tradition of caring, and focused on a vision to serve, Capital Health System is taking its place as a leading healthcare provider.
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750 Brunswick Avenue
