On July 1, Cape Regional Health System marked its first year since joining Cooper University Health Care. A major goal of merging the two groups was to provide and enhance access to high-quality care and specialty services for all residents of Cape May County. The Cooper team has done just that over the past year.

Some of the team’s achievements since merging include:

• Forming 33 integration teams to combine the health systems.
• Quickly transitioning from Cape Regional’s older computer systems to Epic, an advanced, electronic health record system.
  Opened an Access Clinic to increase accessibility to specialty care providers.
• Hired new physicians and expanded types of care and facilities.
• Became an MD Anderson Cancer Center at a Cooper-approved location, providing patients who need radiation oncology with access to such care closer to home.

“We’ve had an extraordinary first year and have taken bold steps forward – from bringing MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper’s nationally recognized cancer care to the region to expanding specialty services and building a stronger, more integrated health care delivery system,” said George E. Norcross III, chairman of the board of trustees of Cooper University Health Care.

But the Cooper team does not just care for its patients; it has also demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of the team members while recognizing the great work that the staff does. Several initiatives were implemented to showcase employee achievement including Nurses Week, Hospital Week, and award programs.

“We look forward to continuing to enhance the health care experience for the people of Cape May and Atlantic counties,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, co-president/CEO of Cooper University Health Care. “Thank you to the Cooper team for their hard work and dedication over the past year.”

The Cooper Team has about 14,000 members, including 1,600 nurses, more than 1,000 physicians, and 600 advanced practice professionals who are all vital components of offering top-notch care in Cape May County. This is impressive, considering Cooper facilities see more than 2.4 million patients on average per year. It makes sense why Cooper was named one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2025 by Forbes. The group looks forward to more success in its second year since merging.