RWJBarnabas Health announced a partnership with Middlesex County to manage its long-term care facilities, Roosevelt Care Centers, in an agreement that is likely to be finalized by the end of the year.
Middlesex is one of four counties in the state that still owns long-term care facilities.
The announcement Monday is the latest move by the health care provider for more locally-focused engagement.
It has also made significant investments in Newark to focus on providing fresh food to residents.
The new partnership builds the health system’s presence in Middlesex, where it already has locations in New Brunswick, Carteret, Edison, Metuchen, Monroe, North Brunswick and Old Bridge.
“RWJBarnabas Health has leadership and demonstrated expertise in the field of geriatrics,” said Barry Ostrowsky, CEO and president of RWJBarnabas Health. “We are eager for the opportunity to expand our existing system geriatrics quality initiatives to the nursing home environment.”
The focus of the partnership includes expanding quality of care, more therapeutic activity and improving care for residents who do not have families.
“We are very excited to forge this partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, the state’s largest health care provider. It will enable Middlesex County to continue offering access to high-quality, long-term care in a cost-effective way, with best-in-class services,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “This partnership will continue the county’s history of providing cutting-edge services through innovation to remain current and competitive.”
Linda Kukor, of the Communication Workers of America Local 1065 union, supported the move.
“Our members have provided quality, exceptional care to residents at Roosevelt Care Centers for many years,” she said. “This partnership puts together a long-term strategy to ensure Roosevelt continues to serve the community while honoring the union contract and providing job security for our members.”
