Heights University Hospital in Jersey City closed its doors Saturday evening, following a legal challenge from Jersey City Mayor James Solomon that was ultimately unsuccessful.
Hospital Closure and Legal Dispute
Mayor Solomon expressed his disagreement with the court’s ruling but acknowledged its respectability, while criticizing the conduct of Hudson Regional Health (HRH) throughout the process. He stated, “We disagree with the ruling, but we respect it. What we will not respect is Hudson Regional Health’s conduct throughout this entire process.”
Solomon accused HRH of violating state law by failing to obtain a certificate of need and provide required notice before closing a hospital serving approximately 300,000 people.
HRH, however, attributes the closure to a lack of financial support from the state and city, citing factors such as a majority of underinsured patients, cuts to state and county aid, and an aging facility. The company reported losses exceeding $74 million last year, with projected losses of over $30 million this year.
HRH stated it has invested “several hundred million dollars to revitalize its hospitals in Bayonne, Hoboken, and Jersey City” since taking over the CarePoint Health system in November 2024.
Community Response and Future Outlook
Demonstrators camped near the hospital in the hours leading up to its closure, signaling community opposition. Michele Soller, a Hudson County resident, expressed the personal impact of the closure, stating, “I worked tireless nights in the (Emergency Room) with people who cared about me and I cared about them. Here’s about family. This is about health care. This is about love.”
A spokesperson for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill indicated that the state Department of Health is working to ensure patient safety and access to care, with ambulances expected to be deployed to redirect patients. Mayor Solomon indicated he would continue to fight for the hospital’s reopening, potentially exploring all available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the closure of Heights University Hospital?
Hudson Regional Health attributes the closure to unsustainable financial losses resulting from factors like a majority underinsured payer mix, cuts to state and county aid, and an aging facility.
What is the city’s response to the closure?
Mayor James Solomon accused Hudson Regional Health of violating state law and pursued legal action to prevent the closure, but a New Jersey Superior Court judge denied the city’s request for an emergency injunction.
What is the state doing to address the impact of the closure?
A spokesperson for Governor Mikie Sherrill stated that the state Department of Health is working to ensure patient safety and access to care, and ambulances were expected to be placed at the site to redirect patients.
As Heights University Hospital closes, what will become of healthcare access for the 300,000 residents it previously served?
