Public hearing on Heights University Hospital closure canceled
The planned meeting in Jersey City was called off following a court-ordered restraining order. It comes one month after the hospital closed.
Wednesday evening's meeting regarding the closure of Heights University Hospital, which was to be held at Dickinson High School in Jersey City, was canceled just minutes after members of the public showed up.
The meeting was hosted by the state Department of Health but was immediately halted due to a temporary restraining order filed in Hudson County Superior Court.
Heights University Hospital closed one month ago, citing a projected $37 million loss along with other debt.
However, on Tuesday, the ownership group, Hudson Regional Health, said it was planning to pull its application for closure with the state of New Jersey.
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Hudson Regional Health, the ownership group, released the following statement:
"In recent days, HRH has been encouraged by renewed efforts with its landlord to evaluate the restoration of healthcare services in the region. As a result of these ongoing discussions, HRH has decided to withdraw its Certificate of Need application for closure, with a public hearing no longer taking place on Wednesday evening at Heights University Hospital."
Wednesday's hearing at the high school was supposed to be a chance for elected officials, hospital staff and neighbors to talk about the impact of losing the hospital, which was once known as Christ Hospital.
The president of the union that represents hospital workers who lost jobs after the closure was expected to speak at that hearing.
Debbie White represents Health Professionals and Allied Employees. She spoke with News 12 New Jersey about her thoughts on Hudson Regional Health.
“We want the Department of Health to do justice for this city. And really to find another operator. Hudson Regional cannot be trusted in this community to provide healthcare," said Debbie White.
In response to the decision by HRH, A spokesman for the mayor of Jersey City said HRH has not engaged the city about a relocation plan or any other proposal for the facility.
