COURT HOUSE – A Superior Court judge has approved the merger of Cape Regional Health System and Cooper University Health Care.

“This historic agreement will provide the residents of Cape May and Atlantic counties with greater access to more health-care resources, innovative technologies and specialists,” George E. Norcross III, chairman of Cooper’s board of trustees, said of the May 28 approval.

Garry Gilbert, chairman of the Cape Regional board of trustees, said: “We are delighted that our work has come to fruition. As we move forward together as one, we remain committed to providing the highest quality health care to our constituents.”

The merger combines the Cape May County-based independent health system with Cooper’s much larger academic health-care system with the aim of bringing more financial stability to local health care and access to high-level health resources only available through an academic center like Cooper.

Cape Regional officials also expect that joining the Cooper system will pay off in recruitment of doctors and other medical personnel, saying the county has a significant shortage of physicians. The combined systems will have revenue in excess of $2.2 billion and more than 1,000 physicians in three physician groups.

Middle Township Mayor Christopher Leusner praised the court decision and the end of a long year of regulatory review. “The court approval of the merger between Cooper University Hospital and Cape Regional Health System marks a significant milestone in our community,” Leusner said. “The partnership will enhance quality and expand specialized services, ensuring that our residents receive top-notch medical care close to home.”

The formal signing making the merger official is scheduled for July 1.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.