Listen to this articleThe CEO of Hudson Regional Health issued a dire warning Friday afternoon about the future of Heights University Hospital in Jersey City.
HRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nizar Kifaieh said that without substantial financial support from the state or other government entities, it will pursue an anticipated plan to suspend non-essential services at the former Christ Hospital in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Health.
As NJBIZ has reported, HRH emerged out of the former CarePoint Health facilities. Operators have since rolled out a series of efforts and investments to refresh, renovate and rebrand the network’s properties. The HRH network includes:
The health system aims to transform care in Hudson County. It is the largest such entity in the county and the fastest growing in the Garden State.
“Since the takeover of the CarePoint system and the transition of the system out of bankruptcy, we have been working relentlessly to create the best possible health care system for residents of Jersey City and the broader community,” said Kifaieh in a Sept. 26 statement. “Despite over $300 million in investments in just 10 months, with a major portion dedicated to Heights University Hospital, it was determined in recent days after a thorough analysis, that the facility is unable to avoid continued financial distress.”
Next steps
Kifaieh laid out next steps if it cannot secure government funding.
“Nonetheless, if we are not able to receive support from the state and other partners in government, the board of directors has authorized a restructuring of the system that will pave the way for health care to be maintained to the community, following the anticipated suspension of services at Heights, in a way that is financially and structurally sound,” said Kifaieh.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Health and our partners in government to finalize a long-term solution,” he added.
The health department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Please stay with NJBIZ for the latest on this developing story.
