Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has had its credit rating raised to BBB+ with a stable outlook by S&P Global Ratings. The upgrade, announced in an October 17 report, reflects the hospital’s sustained financial health and ongoing performance improvements over the past seven years. S&P cited a consistent record of positive operating margins as a key factor for the higher rating.
Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, commented on the news: “We are very pleased to receive this affirmation from S&P Global Ratings, an objective, third-party organization. S&P objectively assesses our financial health in the context of our Catholic mission and the market in which we operate, taking into consideration the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare environment. As one of the few remaining single-hospital health systems in New Jersey, Saint Peter’s future remains bright. We will continue to stay focused on providing our patients with the highest quality of care and excellent service, growth, and innovation, while continuing to be good stewards of our resources and keeping our mission at the core of all that we do.”
The hospital plays a significant role as a safety-net provider for underserved communities in central New Jersey. Last year saw completion of a multimillion-dollar expansion and modernization project at Saint Peter’s Family Health Center in New Brunswick. This facility is expected to provide more than 80,000 primary and specialty care visits this year for children, adults, and expectant women.
Currently underway are further expansion projects at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital and within its adult intensive care unit. These initiatives involve modernizing intensive care and perioperative units with completion targeted for 2026-2027.
Saint Peter’s University Hospital is a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen. It has received multiple recognitions for nursing excellence—including its seventh consecutive Magnet designation—and provides specialized services such as diabetes care, gastroenterology, oncology, orthopedics, women’s services, and pediatric specialties through The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital.
