Published in the Star-Ledger, Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Plainfield hospital may close in June
CEO tells council there were no offers to buy it
BY ALEXI FRIEDMAN
Star-Ledger Staff
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center is technically still for sale, though realistically that opportunity has come and gone, said the CEO of Solaris Health System, which owns the 396-bed hospital in Plainfield.
John McGee's comments came during an appearance before the Plainfield City Council Monday night, when he explained the company's reasons for soliciting potential buyers back in November, then filing with the state in February to close Muhlenberg. McGee has said Solaris received no formal offers to purchase the hospital; its request for closure is still pending.
Afterward, he answered pointed questions from council members, among them:
# Why did Solaris choose to shutter Muhlenberg and not its sister hospital, JFK Medical Center in Edison? McGee's answer: Muhlenberg loses more money than JFK because it takes in more uninsured, undocumented patients and receives dwindling funds from Medicare and Medicaid.
# Why hadn't some services from JFK been transferred to Muhlenberg to make up for the losses? Answer: Patients from JFK have been hesitant to seek treatment at Muhlenberg, and many services require state approval, so simply transferring them to another hospital is impossible.
# Were uninsured patients -- who hospital officials say accounted for a substantial amount of Muhlenberg's $17 million in losses last year -- systematically moved from JFK Medical Center to Plainfield? Answer: No.
"I didn't get into this business to close hospitals," said McGee, whose council appearance drew more than 100 people to the municipal courthouse, many waving signs urging that the hospital remain open.
Several in attendance, like Cheryl Williams, had been treated at Muhlenberg. A lifelong Plainfield resident, Williams, 37, had hoped Solaris would meet "the community halfway." She left believing that the closure "was a done deal."
McGee told the council that the $2 million monthly losses Muhlenberg incurs cannot be sustained. Solaris has already paid off some of Muhlenberg's debt using money from JFK Medical Center. That hospital is barely making a profit, McGee said, avoiding a recent trend that has seen numerous community hospitals close throughout the state.
While a band of Plainfield residents has begun a grassroots effort to buy Muhlenberg with pledges of $20 a share -- organizers say more than $25,000 has been raised so far -- McGee said Solaris had to close the hospital or risk bouncing employee checks. "We can't drag it out," he said of the process to close.
Solaris would try to save jobs for 300 of Muhlenberg's 1,100 employees, McGee said, all of whom have received notices that the facility could begin to close as early as June. Though McGee would not provide a specific dollar amount, he estimated any price tag for Muhlenberg to be at least $40 million.
Plainfield, suffering its own financial troubles, cannot afford to fund the hospital, city officials said. Assemblyman Jerry Green (D-Union) has convened a health care task force to see what services at Muhlenberg can be saved.
Meanwhile, the Rev. Jim Colvin of the Plainfield United Church of Christ believes the effort to buy back the hospital isn't a pipe dream. Colvin, who attended Monday's meeting, called McGee's statement that a substantial number of patients from JFK Medical Center refuse to be treated in Plainfield patently false. McGee's admission that he sought treatment at Muhlenberg in 1990 for colon cancer, Colvin said, was an effort to curry favor with the council and audience.
Under Solaris' closure plan, Muhlenberg's acute care facility would be shuttered, though a satellite emergency room would remain open, as would the recently built nursing school, the council was told.
Answering a question from Councilman Cory Storch, McGee said Solaris has a three-year commitment to keep the emergency room open, after which it would be evaluated. The emergency unit serves about 35,000 people a year.
"So if it's getting frequent and heavy use, its future would be secure?" Storch asked. "Yes," McGee replied, "and certainly now the satellite emergency would be part of the JFK Medical Center."
Alexi Friedman may be reached at (908) 302-1505 or afriedman@starledger.com.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Muhlenberg - Courier - Olive Lynch program, Sports support
Published in the Courier News, Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Muhlenberg gets "Giant" support
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — The New York Giants had a Cinderella season, winning the Super Bowl due largely to a miracle catch by David Tyree with time running out in the fourth quarter.
Can the same scenario play out for the acute-care facility at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield?
A committee of dedicated and passionate individuals certainly hopes so. And, to that end, the group has convinced several of the Super Bowl champions to appear at a rally at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on the Plainfield High School football field.
Leading the way among the players who have committed to appear is former Hillsborough High School and Rutgers University football star Shaun O'Hara, who is noted for his charitable endeavors.
Event organizers are also hoping for Tyree himself to appear with O'Hara, and there is talk that some former Giants players might appear as well.
"They aren't just football players," said Dr. Brian Fertig, an Edison-based endocrinoligist who was the driving force behind bringing the Giants to Plainfield. "They are good people. They stand for something."
Fertig, whose father Dr. Harrison Fertig founded the coronary care unit at Muhlenberg in the 1960s, says that these Giants stand for a good cause.
"They are doing it out of conviction of doing what's right for the underprivileged," Fertig says. "The underprvileged should have rightful access to health care."
Fertig says that when he started practicing medicine, doctors were generally affiliated with only one hospital. Nowadays, they are — like professional athletes — more like free agents. He feels that his colleagues have pretty much given up on Muhlenberg and that he dislikes the feeling that officials of Solaris Health System and JFK Medical Center in Edison are ignoring Muhlenberg and can't wait to shut it down.
"We can lose as individuals, but the cause can't lose," he says. "The fundamentals of this cause are impeccable."
Fertig says he was told by Jon McGee (president and CEO of Solaris Health System) that $800,000 a month would be enough to keep Muhlenberg's acute-care facility up and running until a statewide universal health-care plan could be enacted, thereby eliminating charity- care deficits (cited as the primary cause for the impending closure).
Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Union) recently introduced a health-care plan that would phase in universal coverage over a three-year span.
That would mean upwards of $9 million per year would have to be raised to keep Muhlenberg open over that length of time.
But Solaris officials Tuesday rejected those projections.
"We lose $50,000 a day," said Solaris spokesman Steven Weiss. "You don't raise funds for operational deficiencies. Fundraising is for children and medical equipment. A month is not helpful when you have annual operating deficits eclipsing $20 million."
Meanwhile, the "Buy Muhlenberg" movement launched last week by Democratic city council candidate Olive Lynch shifted into second gear.
After announcing her intention to raise $100 million to buy the medical center from Solaris at a prayer vigil at Muhlenberg last Saturday, Lynch has now plotted a three-pronged offensive.
First, she notified the state Department of Health and Senior Services of her group's existence and asked that the state delay the granting of the petition to close Muhlenberg until there has been due diligence regarding Solaris' financial assets.
The letter also asks that representatives of "Buy Muhlenberg" be permitted to participate in the May 6 public hearing at Plainfield High School and that the state order Solaris to stop and desist from the active transfer of assets and employees from Muhlenberg to JFK (a charge Solaris officials deny).
Secondly, in a letter to the state Attorney General's office, Lynch charged that Solaris has not been transparent or forthcoming in its financial and other dealings (as mandated by their status as a nonprofit corporation).
The letter also urges the Attorney General to investigate why the "Department of Health has denied the citizens proper, fair and unbiased due process in the closing of Muhlenberg Hospital."
Lastly, she will be writing to every elected official in surrounding towns inviting them to a "brainstorming session" next week to plan a strategy for the May 6 hearing.
"The Department of Health has acted in collusion with Solaris," Lynch says. "Why have a hearing if you are going to rubber stamp them? To have a public hearing when you've already made up your mind is an insult."
Lynch, who believes that Muhlenberg has been miscast as a non-viable health-care institution and who claims to have at least two "serious investors" interested in joining her coalition, says she'll be meeting with medical personnel from Muhlenberg to talk about models that might work.
"People in the trenches have the best insight," she said.
As for the Giants, Lynch welcomes their appearance.
"We see it as two parallel tracks," she said. "The Giants' coming is in support of whatever scenario plays out. It's empowering for people to realize that they don't have to accept what they are being told. This shouldn't be a done deal, because we haven't gone through due process."
Solaris officials have been keeping a watchful eye on Lynch's efforts, which raised slightly more than $21,000 at Saturday's vigil by selling T-shirts and shares ($20 each) in "Buy Muhlenberg."
"While I applaud her passion," Weiss said, "she is starting to realize the incredible amount of the deficit."
StoryChat
So let me understand this, instead of getting down to the serious business of finding a resolution to a serious financial issue, these "leaders" think it's a good idea to turn this into even more of what I've already characterized as a circus. The Giants know something about the gridiron; they know nothing about solving a financial deficit in healthcare. Unless the Giants and their supporters can come up with $17MM per year there is nothing they have to contribute other than moral support, and that doesn't keep Muhlenberg open. Is the community thought to be so shallow that Muhlenberg's closing needs a Giants player to get it to pay attention?
I am again going to question Olive Lynch's actions. First, for whom does she speak that she can present any requests as if she--by virtue of her self-anointing--holds some special right. Second, we need to know the details of her organization, from whom she has received license for fundraising or, even more, to sell what seem to be equity shares in the "purchased" Muhlenberg. Post the documents on your website--surely there's a website although I can't find one--or provide us links to document that you are authorized to engage in the activities you're engaged in. If, in fact, she has raised $20,000 without going through the legal requirements for doing so, she has bigger concerns than Muhlenberg right now.
Finally, if Lynch has two "serious investors" there's a process in place that any investor would understand. Of course, as with any such sale, potential buyers have to be qualified. If they are--and if they are why would they be talking with Lynch?--Solaris's financial reps will welcome them with open arms. Then due diligence begins. That's always the process...excegt in LynchLand apparently.
The circus continues as Muhlenberg gets closer to closure! When Muhlenberg closes remember to thank Olive Lynch and her diversionary and juvenile actions. She's in it for a council seat NOT to present a meaningful alternative to the closing of Muhlenberg.
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:46 am
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg gets "Giant" support
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — The New York Giants had a Cinderella season, winning the Super Bowl due largely to a miracle catch by David Tyree with time running out in the fourth quarter.
Can the same scenario play out for the acute-care facility at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield?
A committee of dedicated and passionate individuals certainly hopes so. And, to that end, the group has convinced several of the Super Bowl champions to appear at a rally at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on the Plainfield High School football field.
Leading the way among the players who have committed to appear is former Hillsborough High School and Rutgers University football star Shaun O'Hara, who is noted for his charitable endeavors.
Event organizers are also hoping for Tyree himself to appear with O'Hara, and there is talk that some former Giants players might appear as well.
"They aren't just football players," said Dr. Brian Fertig, an Edison-based endocrinoligist who was the driving force behind bringing the Giants to Plainfield. "They are good people. They stand for something."
Fertig, whose father Dr. Harrison Fertig founded the coronary care unit at Muhlenberg in the 1960s, says that these Giants stand for a good cause.
"They are doing it out of conviction of doing what's right for the underprivileged," Fertig says. "The underprvileged should have rightful access to health care."
Fertig says that when he started practicing medicine, doctors were generally affiliated with only one hospital. Nowadays, they are — like professional athletes — more like free agents. He feels that his colleagues have pretty much given up on Muhlenberg and that he dislikes the feeling that officials of Solaris Health System and JFK Medical Center in Edison are ignoring Muhlenberg and can't wait to shut it down.
"We can lose as individuals, but the cause can't lose," he says. "The fundamentals of this cause are impeccable."
Fertig says he was told by Jon McGee (president and CEO of Solaris Health System) that $800,000 a month would be enough to keep Muhlenberg's acute-care facility up and running until a statewide universal health-care plan could be enacted, thereby eliminating charity- care deficits (cited as the primary cause for the impending closure).
Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Union) recently introduced a health-care plan that would phase in universal coverage over a three-year span.
That would mean upwards of $9 million per year would have to be raised to keep Muhlenberg open over that length of time.
But Solaris officials Tuesday rejected those projections.
"We lose $50,000 a day," said Solaris spokesman Steven Weiss. "You don't raise funds for operational deficiencies. Fundraising is for children and medical equipment. A month is not helpful when you have annual operating deficits eclipsing $20 million."
Meanwhile, the "Buy Muhlenberg" movement launched last week by Democratic city council candidate Olive Lynch shifted into second gear.
After announcing her intention to raise $100 million to buy the medical center from Solaris at a prayer vigil at Muhlenberg last Saturday, Lynch has now plotted a three-pronged offensive.
First, she notified the state Department of Health and Senior Services of her group's existence and asked that the state delay the granting of the petition to close Muhlenberg until there has been due diligence regarding Solaris' financial assets.
The letter also asks that representatives of "Buy Muhlenberg" be permitted to participate in the May 6 public hearing at Plainfield High School and that the state order Solaris to stop and desist from the active transfer of assets and employees from Muhlenberg to JFK (a charge Solaris officials deny).
Secondly, in a letter to the state Attorney General's office, Lynch charged that Solaris has not been transparent or forthcoming in its financial and other dealings (as mandated by their status as a nonprofit corporation).
The letter also urges the Attorney General to investigate why the "Department of Health has denied the citizens proper, fair and unbiased due process in the closing of Muhlenberg Hospital."
Lastly, she will be writing to every elected official in surrounding towns inviting them to a "brainstorming session" next week to plan a strategy for the May 6 hearing.
"The Department of Health has acted in collusion with Solaris," Lynch says. "Why have a hearing if you are going to rubber stamp them? To have a public hearing when you've already made up your mind is an insult."
Lynch, who believes that Muhlenberg has been miscast as a non-viable health-care institution and who claims to have at least two "serious investors" interested in joining her coalition, says she'll be meeting with medical personnel from Muhlenberg to talk about models that might work.
"People in the trenches have the best insight," she said.
As for the Giants, Lynch welcomes their appearance.
"We see it as two parallel tracks," she said. "The Giants' coming is in support of whatever scenario plays out. It's empowering for people to realize that they don't have to accept what they are being told. This shouldn't be a done deal, because we haven't gone through due process."
Solaris officials have been keeping a watchful eye on Lynch's efforts, which raised slightly more than $21,000 at Saturday's vigil by selling T-shirts and shares ($20 each) in "Buy Muhlenberg."
"While I applaud her passion," Weiss said, "she is starting to realize the incredible amount of the deficit."
StoryChat
So let me understand this, instead of getting down to the serious business of finding a resolution to a serious financial issue, these "leaders" think it's a good idea to turn this into even more of what I've already characterized as a circus. The Giants know something about the gridiron; they know nothing about solving a financial deficit in healthcare. Unless the Giants and their supporters can come up with $17MM per year there is nothing they have to contribute other than moral support, and that doesn't keep Muhlenberg open. Is the community thought to be so shallow that Muhlenberg's closing needs a Giants player to get it to pay attention?
I am again going to question Olive Lynch's actions. First, for whom does she speak that she can present any requests as if she--by virtue of her self-anointing--holds some special right. Second, we need to know the details of her organization, from whom she has received license for fundraising or, even more, to sell what seem to be equity shares in the "purchased" Muhlenberg. Post the documents on your website--surely there's a website although I can't find one--or provide us links to document that you are authorized to engage in the activities you're engaged in. If, in fact, she has raised $20,000 without going through the legal requirements for doing so, she has bigger concerns than Muhlenberg right now.
Finally, if Lynch has two "serious investors" there's a process in place that any investor would understand. Of course, as with any such sale, potential buyers have to be qualified. If they are--and if they are why would they be talking with Lynch?--Solaris's financial reps will welcome them with open arms. Then due diligence begins. That's always the process...excegt in LynchLand apparently.
The circus continues as Muhlenberg gets closer to closure! When Muhlenberg closes remember to thank Olive Lynch and her diversionary and juvenile actions. She's in it for a council seat NOT to present a meaningful alternative to the closing of Muhlenberg.
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:46 am
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Dem Primary - Courier - Letter: McWilliams agent of change
Published in the Courier News, Sunday, April 20, 2008
Letter to Editor
Support for Annie McWilliams as agent of Plainfield change
I am truly inspired by Annie McWilliams' answer to the call of public service in announcing her candidacy for the at-large seat on the Democratic ticket for Plainfield City Council. Like her father, the late Al McWilliams, Annie is devoted to the betterment of Plainfield for all of its residents. Through her youth advocacy, she has offered hope to the young people of this city, whose need for young role models to emulate is greater than ever during these difficult times. Her strong business background (a degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business) would be a welcome addition to the council.
Unfortunately, what has happened in our city of Plainfield over the past years under the current administration of Sharon Robinson-Briggs is a travesty. The ineptitude of municipal government, as illustrated by the performance of this administration more than halfway through its tenure, has caused many of us to throw up our collective hands in disgust.
At the behest of the Robinson-Briggs administration, the municipal budget has become inflated with jobs for individuals whose qualifications have been very much in question. Residents are upset at the crumbling infrastructure of our city, the lack of communication on the part of the administration and the continued waste of money, as exemplified by the mayor's private security detail, for which Plainfielders foot the bill to the tune of nearly $200,000 per year!
Currently, the Plainfield City Council consists of a majority that denies the right of public access to its citizens by illegally refusing to air City Council meetings on the local channel (which is paid for by Plainfield residents, by the way!), that rubber stamps every new employee the administration puts before it (while deliberately withholding resumes of qualifications from public scrutiny!), and that refuses to pass a strong municipal pay-to-play ordinance to protect residents from conflict of interest in the awarding of public contracts.
Our taxes have gone up every year as services have declined. We need an advocate who will work for us, not for some political agenda that is hostile to the needs of Plainfield residents.
We need to restore transparency and trust in our government, along with a sense that our city council members will strive to meet the highest standards of ethical and personal behavior. Second Ward Councilman Cory Storch has already demonstrated his independence by endorsing Annie's run, noting that he, too, is inspired by her candidacy in this historic year.
It has been my pleasure to know Annie, as I was a friend of Al McWilliams, who inspired me to get involved in helping make change. At his urging, I became involved in several campaigns over the years, serving in the past as campaign manager to Linda Carter, Cory Storch, and the late Ray Blanco, as well as campaign co-chair on Al's second mayoral campaign.
All Al asked was that the city, as opposed to any other agenda, come first. Annie asks the same of all who desire to work on her behalf. She is strong, independent, and smart -- qualities that we should demand from all of our public servants.
It is time for a change. I encourage voters to come out and support Annie, who is devoted to her family, to her Shiloh Baptist Church community, and to Plainfield, for the at-large city council seat. I am convinced that Annie McWilliams best represents the change that Plainfield needs and that, with the support and votes of the greater Plainfield community, she can be successful.
REBECCA WILLIAMS
Plainfield
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Letter to Editor
Support for Annie McWilliams as agent of Plainfield change
I am truly inspired by Annie McWilliams' answer to the call of public service in announcing her candidacy for the at-large seat on the Democratic ticket for Plainfield City Council. Like her father, the late Al McWilliams, Annie is devoted to the betterment of Plainfield for all of its residents. Through her youth advocacy, she has offered hope to the young people of this city, whose need for young role models to emulate is greater than ever during these difficult times. Her strong business background (a degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business) would be a welcome addition to the council.
Unfortunately, what has happened in our city of Plainfield over the past years under the current administration of Sharon Robinson-Briggs is a travesty. The ineptitude of municipal government, as illustrated by the performance of this administration more than halfway through its tenure, has caused many of us to throw up our collective hands in disgust.
At the behest of the Robinson-Briggs administration, the municipal budget has become inflated with jobs for individuals whose qualifications have been very much in question. Residents are upset at the crumbling infrastructure of our city, the lack of communication on the part of the administration and the continued waste of money, as exemplified by the mayor's private security detail, for which Plainfielders foot the bill to the tune of nearly $200,000 per year!
Currently, the Plainfield City Council consists of a majority that denies the right of public access to its citizens by illegally refusing to air City Council meetings on the local channel (which is paid for by Plainfield residents, by the way!), that rubber stamps every new employee the administration puts before it (while deliberately withholding resumes of qualifications from public scrutiny!), and that refuses to pass a strong municipal pay-to-play ordinance to protect residents from conflict of interest in the awarding of public contracts.
Our taxes have gone up every year as services have declined. We need an advocate who will work for us, not for some political agenda that is hostile to the needs of Plainfield residents.
We need to restore transparency and trust in our government, along with a sense that our city council members will strive to meet the highest standards of ethical and personal behavior. Second Ward Councilman Cory Storch has already demonstrated his independence by endorsing Annie's run, noting that he, too, is inspired by her candidacy in this historic year.
It has been my pleasure to know Annie, as I was a friend of Al McWilliams, who inspired me to get involved in helping make change. At his urging, I became involved in several campaigns over the years, serving in the past as campaign manager to Linda Carter, Cory Storch, and the late Ray Blanco, as well as campaign co-chair on Al's second mayoral campaign.
All Al asked was that the city, as opposed to any other agenda, come first. Annie asks the same of all who desire to work on her behalf. She is strong, independent, and smart -- qualities that we should demand from all of our public servants.
It is time for a change. I encourage voters to come out and support Annie, who is devoted to her family, to her Shiloh Baptist Church community, and to Plainfield, for the at-large city council seat. I am convinced that Annie McWilliams best represents the change that Plainfield needs and that, with the support and votes of the greater Plainfield community, she can be successful.
REBECCA WILLIAMS
Plainfield
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Courier - OpEd by Board Prez Ron West
Published in the Courier News, Sunday, April 20, 2008 (put online 4/22/2008)
OpEd
Hospitals are in danger all over state
By RONALD WEST
I am writing as both a resident of the great city of Plainfield for the past 30 years and as the chairman of the Board of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center for the past 12 months. As a resident, I have been a patient at Muhlenberg on more than one occasion, as have my wife and two daughters.
Both of our girls were born at Muhlenberg. I am heartbroken over the thought of losing a hospital that has a 130-year history of taking care of generations of families and serving as a trusted health-care resource.
Muhlenberg has stood the test of time, providing compassionate care, with dedicated employees and innovative clinical services.
The changing health-care landscape has had a devastating effect on Muhlenberg and on every other urban hospital in the state of New Jersey. In Plainfield, with 70 percent of the patient base comprised of Medicare, Medicaid and charity care, it is nearly impossible for a hospital to survive without significant financial support from someplace else.
Over the last 10 years, 18 hospitals have closed and three closures are pending, not as a result of bad management, lack of compassion or poor outcomes. Simply stated, no hospital can continue to provide service when it is reimbursed 40 to 80 cents on every dollar for Medicare, Medicaid and charity care patients. This broken model has caused Muhlenberg to lose $50,000 a day, $1.5 million per month during 2007, and a loss of $20 million projected for 2008.
Over the last 10 years, Muhlenberg has addressed budget shortfalls with an aggressive growth strategy focused on adding clinical service lines like angioplasty, bariatric surgery, colon and rectal services, wound care, and vascular surgery. Also, Muhlenberg committed to process improvements, right-sizing the organization based on census data and many other tactics. All this to grow patient volume, streamline operations, strengthen economic viability and continue to provide the utmost in patient care.
Solaris Health System, the nonprofit parent company of Muhlenberg and JFK Medical Center, has invested $50 million in Muhlenberg over the last 10 years. While our revenue strategy of introducing new service lines was successful and our patient satisfaction scores reached the 90th percentile, revenue generated by 30 percent of the patient population has not been enough to offset the losses of the other 70 percent.
Concurrent with growth initiatives, Solaris and the Muhlenberg Board engaged our elected officials and the New Jersey Department of Health and Social Services to save this hospital. Meetings and tours were held with Assemblyman Jerry Green, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, Senator Nicholas Scutari, Assemblyman Louis Greenwald and other key legislators from both the Senate and the Assembly over the past few years to encourage additional funding for Muhlenberg. Our legislators have met with the governor and the commissioner of Health and Social Services to plead the case for Muhlenberg.
Although Muhlenberg has received more than $10 million in hospital assistance over the last five years, at an average of $2 million per year, this funding is insufficient to cover an $18 million annual shortfall. So, along with state support, the consistent Solaris investments have kept Muhlenberg open and part of our community.
Under the auspices of the Solaris Board, more than 60 nonprofit and for-profit organizations were contacted in an effort to find a buyer for Muhlenberg. To date, no organization has offered a proposal that will keep the hospital open now and in the future. So we must plan to address the health care needs of our community without Muhlenberg.
We face the closure of our beloved hospital, and while the members of our community voice their anger and frustration, as chairman, my role, along with that of the board, is to continue to serve as the community's advocate for continued access to health care. I support the collaborative efforts of the task force that has been formed to unite regional health care providers to insure the continuation of health care access for our community -- health care of the same quality and high standards you have always been provided.
Until the broken system of health care in New Jersey is fixed, more hospitals will face closure, and more communities will be faced with this critical situation.
Ronald West is chairman of the board of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
OpEd
Hospitals are in danger all over state
By RONALD WEST
I am writing as both a resident of the great city of Plainfield for the past 30 years and as the chairman of the Board of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center for the past 12 months. As a resident, I have been a patient at Muhlenberg on more than one occasion, as have my wife and two daughters.
Both of our girls were born at Muhlenberg. I am heartbroken over the thought of losing a hospital that has a 130-year history of taking care of generations of families and serving as a trusted health-care resource.
Muhlenberg has stood the test of time, providing compassionate care, with dedicated employees and innovative clinical services.
The changing health-care landscape has had a devastating effect on Muhlenberg and on every other urban hospital in the state of New Jersey. In Plainfield, with 70 percent of the patient base comprised of Medicare, Medicaid and charity care, it is nearly impossible for a hospital to survive without significant financial support from someplace else.
Over the last 10 years, 18 hospitals have closed and three closures are pending, not as a result of bad management, lack of compassion or poor outcomes. Simply stated, no hospital can continue to provide service when it is reimbursed 40 to 80 cents on every dollar for Medicare, Medicaid and charity care patients. This broken model has caused Muhlenberg to lose $50,000 a day, $1.5 million per month during 2007, and a loss of $20 million projected for 2008.
Over the last 10 years, Muhlenberg has addressed budget shortfalls with an aggressive growth strategy focused on adding clinical service lines like angioplasty, bariatric surgery, colon and rectal services, wound care, and vascular surgery. Also, Muhlenberg committed to process improvements, right-sizing the organization based on census data and many other tactics. All this to grow patient volume, streamline operations, strengthen economic viability and continue to provide the utmost in patient care.
Solaris Health System, the nonprofit parent company of Muhlenberg and JFK Medical Center, has invested $50 million in Muhlenberg over the last 10 years. While our revenue strategy of introducing new service lines was successful and our patient satisfaction scores reached the 90th percentile, revenue generated by 30 percent of the patient population has not been enough to offset the losses of the other 70 percent.
Concurrent with growth initiatives, Solaris and the Muhlenberg Board engaged our elected officials and the New Jersey Department of Health and Social Services to save this hospital. Meetings and tours were held with Assemblyman Jerry Green, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, Senator Nicholas Scutari, Assemblyman Louis Greenwald and other key legislators from both the Senate and the Assembly over the past few years to encourage additional funding for Muhlenberg. Our legislators have met with the governor and the commissioner of Health and Social Services to plead the case for Muhlenberg.
Although Muhlenberg has received more than $10 million in hospital assistance over the last five years, at an average of $2 million per year, this funding is insufficient to cover an $18 million annual shortfall. So, along with state support, the consistent Solaris investments have kept Muhlenberg open and part of our community.
Under the auspices of the Solaris Board, more than 60 nonprofit and for-profit organizations were contacted in an effort to find a buyer for Muhlenberg. To date, no organization has offered a proposal that will keep the hospital open now and in the future. So we must plan to address the health care needs of our community without Muhlenberg.
We face the closure of our beloved hospital, and while the members of our community voice their anger and frustration, as chairman, my role, along with that of the board, is to continue to serve as the community's advocate for continued access to health care. I support the collaborative efforts of the task force that has been formed to unite regional health care providers to insure the continuation of health care access for our community -- health care of the same quality and high standards you have always been provided.
Until the broken system of health care in New Jersey is fixed, more hospitals will face closure, and more communities will be faced with this critical situation.
Ronald West is chairman of the board of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Courier - Solaris CEO McGee addresses Council
Published in the Courier News, Tuesday, April 22, 2008
McGee: Hospital funds gone
Money issues shuttering Muhlenberg
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — In a municipal courthouse packed with about 120 people devastated by the impending loss of most of their local hospital, a top official of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center reiterated his compassion Monday night for the employees and residents affected by the planned closing.
John McGee, president and CEO of Solaris Health System, Muhlenberg's nonprofit parent company for the past decade, described a health-care system in crisis Monday as he spoke to City Council members and the assembled crowd.
Citing low reimbursement rates from the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, staggering losses for providing state-mandated charity care to uninsured patients, and the disappearance of vital grant funding, McGee said he and other officials have little choice but to seek state assistance to close the hospital.
"I wish Solaris had the money, the funds, to get through this crisis, but it doesn't," McGee said to a crush of residents who rallied outside the courthouse in the hour leading up to the City Council meeting.
McGee's presentation also followed the recent formation of a grassroots campaign dubbed "Buy Muhlenberg!" The effort, seeking to raise $100 million to keep the hospital open, kicked off Saturday with an "Hour of Power Prayer Vigil to Save Muhlenberg."
The group — which sold $20 "shares" to community members demonstrating outside of the medical center — raised $21,890 in pledges for the nascent hospital buyback campaign, Plainfield resident and City Council candidate Olive Lynch said Sunday in an online letter to supporters.
Lynch's effort is the latest in a series of campaigns, rallies and vigils — most organized by the Plainfield branch of the People's Organization for Progress — that have prompted hundreds of concerned residents to march on the sidewalks of Plainfield and travel to the Statehouse in Trenton to protest the impending hospital closing.
Solaris in February announced its intent to close Muhlenberg by the end of the summer, citing overwhelming financial losses and an unsuccessful campaign to sell the 130-year-old medical center. Hospital officials recently submitted to the state a certificate of need for closure and notified employees that the downsizing could come anytime after June 15.
A satellite emergency room will remain at the Plainfield campus, along with its school of nursing, imaging center and other ancillary services. Solaris has committed to retaining roughly 350 of Muhlenberg's 1,100 employees both in Plainfield and other Solaris locations, including JFK Medical Center in Edison.
Still, residents have chastised hospital officials and government leaders for not doing more to save the facility and for not sending clearer warning signals to the community before news of the hospital's demise made front-page headlines.
Even though time appears to be dwindling, longtime Plainfield resident Brenda Gilbert said Monday night that she hasn't given up. Carrying a cardboard cross with "Save Muhlenberg" written on its front, Gilbert said there "ain't no hope, there's a God."
"God is our hope," she said minutes before the start of Monday's meeting. "And God can do anything but fail."
Brandon Lausch can be reached at (908) 707-3175 or blausch@c-n.com.
StoryChat
If local citizens attempt to find a solution to save the hospital thats great. If you disagree with trying to buy the hospital, what is your suggestion? To refer to someones employment status or political desires is childish. Since when did it become unpopular to get involved?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:36 pm
Wizard wrote..."Jr I know I come off as an azz sometimes. But you were so right about what you said about me . Its getting old....."
You're telling me! In the midst of all the stupidity being thrown about by some of these self-styled "save Muhlenberg" folks there are solid employees whose lives are being thrown into upheaval and chaos through no fault of their own. The really unfortunate thing is that the noise is all coming from people who appear completely unwilling or unable--or both--to proceed in a rational, businesslike manner. The loud mouths which have stepped into the vacuum left by an absence of really good leadership on the "save Muhlenberg" side are causing more harm than good. Can you ever have imagine that the two highest profile forces opposing the closing of Muhlenberg are an unemployed IT wannabe politician whose solution is to try and raise $100MM by selling (illegally I believe) $20 shares and a group which is notoriously radical in every respect. And even here when I have suggested that these hyper-emotional posters develop a sound counter-argument to the very compelling case presented by Solaris the only answer is more childish postings that are always completely unresponsive and off-point.
>From everything I have read, Muhlenberg needs to close. Nevertheless, it would have been nice to have seen a respectful and considered "opposition" develop to raise serious alternatives. Time's wasting and, so far, nothing!
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:54 pm
No problem I know times are ruff for alot of people.
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:42 pm
I couldn't agree with you more jersey. MRMC has been having financial problems for years. People certainly have made a circus out of this. Where were they a few years back when maybe something could have been done. I guess this is just the cause for the moment. Wizard, I'm just speaking out of anger. No offense intened.
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:29 pm
Jr I know I come off as an azz sometimes. But you were so right about what you said about me Laughing . Its getting old.....
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 6:46 pm
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
McGee: Hospital funds gone
Money issues shuttering Muhlenberg
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — In a municipal courthouse packed with about 120 people devastated by the impending loss of most of their local hospital, a top official of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center reiterated his compassion Monday night for the employees and residents affected by the planned closing.
John McGee, president and CEO of Solaris Health System, Muhlenberg's nonprofit parent company for the past decade, described a health-care system in crisis Monday as he spoke to City Council members and the assembled crowd.
Citing low reimbursement rates from the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, staggering losses for providing state-mandated charity care to uninsured patients, and the disappearance of vital grant funding, McGee said he and other officials have little choice but to seek state assistance to close the hospital.
"I wish Solaris had the money, the funds, to get through this crisis, but it doesn't," McGee said to a crush of residents who rallied outside the courthouse in the hour leading up to the City Council meeting.
McGee's presentation also followed the recent formation of a grassroots campaign dubbed "Buy Muhlenberg!" The effort, seeking to raise $100 million to keep the hospital open, kicked off Saturday with an "Hour of Power Prayer Vigil to Save Muhlenberg."
The group — which sold $20 "shares" to community members demonstrating outside of the medical center — raised $21,890 in pledges for the nascent hospital buyback campaign, Plainfield resident and City Council candidate Olive Lynch said Sunday in an online letter to supporters.
Lynch's effort is the latest in a series of campaigns, rallies and vigils — most organized by the Plainfield branch of the People's Organization for Progress — that have prompted hundreds of concerned residents to march on the sidewalks of Plainfield and travel to the Statehouse in Trenton to protest the impending hospital closing.
Solaris in February announced its intent to close Muhlenberg by the end of the summer, citing overwhelming financial losses and an unsuccessful campaign to sell the 130-year-old medical center. Hospital officials recently submitted to the state a certificate of need for closure and notified employees that the downsizing could come anytime after June 15.
A satellite emergency room will remain at the Plainfield campus, along with its school of nursing, imaging center and other ancillary services. Solaris has committed to retaining roughly 350 of Muhlenberg's 1,100 employees both in Plainfield and other Solaris locations, including JFK Medical Center in Edison.
Still, residents have chastised hospital officials and government leaders for not doing more to save the facility and for not sending clearer warning signals to the community before news of the hospital's demise made front-page headlines.
Even though time appears to be dwindling, longtime Plainfield resident Brenda Gilbert said Monday night that she hasn't given up. Carrying a cardboard cross with "Save Muhlenberg" written on its front, Gilbert said there "ain't no hope, there's a God."
"God is our hope," she said minutes before the start of Monday's meeting. "And God can do anything but fail."
Brandon Lausch can be reached at (908) 707-3175 or blausch@c-n.com.
StoryChat
If local citizens attempt to find a solution to save the hospital thats great. If you disagree with trying to buy the hospital, what is your suggestion? To refer to someones employment status or political desires is childish. Since when did it become unpopular to get involved?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:36 pm
Wizard wrote..."Jr I know I come off as an azz sometimes. But you were so right about what you said about me . Its getting old....."
You're telling me! In the midst of all the stupidity being thrown about by some of these self-styled "save Muhlenberg" folks there are solid employees whose lives are being thrown into upheaval and chaos through no fault of their own. The really unfortunate thing is that the noise is all coming from people who appear completely unwilling or unable--or both--to proceed in a rational, businesslike manner. The loud mouths which have stepped into the vacuum left by an absence of really good leadership on the "save Muhlenberg" side are causing more harm than good. Can you ever have imagine that the two highest profile forces opposing the closing of Muhlenberg are an unemployed IT wannabe politician whose solution is to try and raise $100MM by selling (illegally I believe) $20 shares and a group which is notoriously radical in every respect. And even here when I have suggested that these hyper-emotional posters develop a sound counter-argument to the very compelling case presented by Solaris the only answer is more childish postings that are always completely unresponsive and off-point.
>From everything I have read, Muhlenberg needs to close. Nevertheless, it would have been nice to have seen a respectful and considered "opposition" develop to raise serious alternatives. Time's wasting and, so far, nothing!
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:54 pm
No problem I know times are ruff for alot of people.
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:42 pm
I couldn't agree with you more jersey. MRMC has been having financial problems for years. People certainly have made a circus out of this. Where were they a few years back when maybe something could have been done. I guess this is just the cause for the moment. Wizard, I'm just speaking out of anger. No offense intened.
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:29 pm
Jr I know I come off as an azz sometimes. But you were so right about what you said about me Laughing . Its getting old.....
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 6:46 pm
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Courier - Editorial: Supporters offer lesson in hope
Published in the Courier News, Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Editorial
Muhlenberg supporters offer lesson in hope
Community support for Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center may be -- in fact probably will be -- too little too late to keep the hospital from closing.
Still, there's something inspiring in the resiliency of advocates who, despite long odds, are refusing to accept what appears to be unavoidable, and continue to cling to the hope that something may yet save Muhlenberg.
And they're not basing their hopes entirely on wishful thinking. They're attempting to turn their desires into action. The latest gambit is a citizens' group effort to raise $100 million -- at $20 a pop -- to buy Muhlenberg. During the latest rally on behalf of the hospital Saturday in Plainfield, or ganizers were pitching $20 shares and selling T-shirts to promote the cause.
The "Buy Muhlenberg" movement may sound like the wildest of dreams. But it is, if nothing else, a sign of how much the hospital means to the community.
The announcement that Solaris Health Systems, which runs Muhlenberg, intended to close the hospital because of ongoing and escalating financial losses generated a powerful emotional reaction, seemingly equal parts dismay and anger. Much of the outrage has been directed at Solaris and its perceived unwillingness to explore avenues that might keep the hospital operating. And state health officials seem almost anxious to accept the closure plan, having already conceded that some hospital closings across the state are not only inevitable, but beneficial.
Despite the difficult realities of running a hospital in New Jersey these days, however, community activists continue to suggest that there are viable alternatives if the powers that be look hard enough, that willing buyers are out there. They specifically cite inquiries from a group that specializes in taking over distressed hospitals.
And if they can raise $100 million and Solaris won't sell? Grassroots leaders say they'll ask the state to open up their own hospital.
If Muhlenberg does close, as expected, the practical benefits of the effort to save it may be in convincing community and health officials to take extra steps to help would-be patients who must seek medical care elsewhere once the hospital shuts its doors.
But we'd also like to think advocates are providing us with a worthy lesson in perseverance. "You never stop trying," Plainfield resident Rose Marie Cathcart said during Saturday's rally. "You keep believing, and always have hope and faith that maybe something will change."
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Editorial
Muhlenberg supporters offer lesson in hope
Community support for Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center may be -- in fact probably will be -- too little too late to keep the hospital from closing.
Still, there's something inspiring in the resiliency of advocates who, despite long odds, are refusing to accept what appears to be unavoidable, and continue to cling to the hope that something may yet save Muhlenberg.
And they're not basing their hopes entirely on wishful thinking. They're attempting to turn their desires into action. The latest gambit is a citizens' group effort to raise $100 million -- at $20 a pop -- to buy Muhlenberg. During the latest rally on behalf of the hospital Saturday in Plainfield, or ganizers were pitching $20 shares and selling T-shirts to promote the cause.
The "Buy Muhlenberg" movement may sound like the wildest of dreams. But it is, if nothing else, a sign of how much the hospital means to the community.
The announcement that Solaris Health Systems, which runs Muhlenberg, intended to close the hospital because of ongoing and escalating financial losses generated a powerful emotional reaction, seemingly equal parts dismay and anger. Much of the outrage has been directed at Solaris and its perceived unwillingness to explore avenues that might keep the hospital operating. And state health officials seem almost anxious to accept the closure plan, having already conceded that some hospital closings across the state are not only inevitable, but beneficial.
Despite the difficult realities of running a hospital in New Jersey these days, however, community activists continue to suggest that there are viable alternatives if the powers that be look hard enough, that willing buyers are out there. They specifically cite inquiries from a group that specializes in taking over distressed hospitals.
And if they can raise $100 million and Solaris won't sell? Grassroots leaders say they'll ask the state to open up their own hospital.
If Muhlenberg does close, as expected, the practical benefits of the effort to save it may be in convincing community and health officials to take extra steps to help would-be patients who must seek medical care elsewhere once the hospital shuts its doors.
But we'd also like to think advocates are providing us with a worthy lesson in perseverance. "You never stop trying," Plainfield resident Rose Marie Cathcart said during Saturday's rally. "You keep believing, and always have hope and faith that maybe something will change."
OUR POSITION:
Even if Muhlenberg Hospital closes despite a last-ditch, grass-roots effort to keep it open, community support shows health officials how much vital care is needed to fill the gap the facility leaves.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Courier - Editorial: Plan the losses
Published in the Courier News, Monday, April 21, 2008
Editorial
If hospitals must close, plan the losses
Plainfield residents care deeply about Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center and its impending closure.
State health officials do not.
It's not that they want Muhlenberg to close, exactly. But they're OK with it. Heather Howard, commissioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services, explained recently that aid shortages and a glut of beds mean that the state's health care system could be strengthened by more closures that better maximize health resources.
Many health-care experts would challenge that analysis, among then Kenneth Bateman, president and chief executive officer of Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, and Robert Wise, president and CEO of the Hunterdon Healthcare System. The two hospital leaders met with Courier News editors last week, arguing that no hospital closure should be viewed as desirable, and that the supposed "overbedding" doesn't take into account the wide variety of health-care services provided by every hospital.
But even if we do accept Howard's assertion, the state is going about this the wrong way. Gov. Jon Corzine's budget includes significant cuts in charity-care aid, increasing pressures on hospitals already dealing with aid shortfalls and likely resulting in more closures. Howard said additional closings are virtually inevitable.
But are the "right" hospitals shutting down? The state's approach -- intentional or not -- is to cut off the aid supply and see who dies first. But unless the state can find the money to more adequately compensate charity care costs, it needs something more akin to what we see when the federal government considers closing military bases. New Jersey needs an independent commission to examine health-care delivery across the state and develop recommendations on potential hospital closures. And that commission needs the power to carry out those recommendations once there has been opportunity for rebuttal, public input and re-examination.
The independent commission already exists, and has done much of the groundwork in determining the state's health-care needs. But it's report issued earlier this year didn't name names of "non-essential" hospitals, and the group is strictly advisory.
As we've seen with Muhlenberg, the loss of a hospital is an emotional public event, and politicians from targeted communities will invariably attempt to block any closure -- as we also see in prolonged battles over military bases. The development of a statewide closure plan must be insulated from political pressures as much as possible. And in the end, the Legislature should be limited to an all-or-nothing acceptance of a plan, rather than plucking individual facilities from the list thanks to a particularly powerful legislator or two.
We're not entirely sure that some hospital closures are good for New Jersey. We do know, however, that simply waiting for a handful of facilities to close up shop after they've withered on the vine long enough isn't the way to manage the process.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Editorial
If hospitals must close, plan the losses
Plainfield residents care deeply about Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center and its impending closure.
State health officials do not.
It's not that they want Muhlenberg to close, exactly. But they're OK with it. Heather Howard, commissioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services, explained recently that aid shortages and a glut of beds mean that the state's health care system could be strengthened by more closures that better maximize health resources.
Many health-care experts would challenge that analysis, among then Kenneth Bateman, president and chief executive officer of Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, and Robert Wise, president and CEO of the Hunterdon Healthcare System. The two hospital leaders met with Courier News editors last week, arguing that no hospital closure should be viewed as desirable, and that the supposed "overbedding" doesn't take into account the wide variety of health-care services provided by every hospital.
But even if we do accept Howard's assertion, the state is going about this the wrong way. Gov. Jon Corzine's budget includes significant cuts in charity-care aid, increasing pressures on hospitals already dealing with aid shortfalls and likely resulting in more closures. Howard said additional closings are virtually inevitable.
But are the "right" hospitals shutting down? The state's approach -- intentional or not -- is to cut off the aid supply and see who dies first. But unless the state can find the money to more adequately compensate charity care costs, it needs something more akin to what we see when the federal government considers closing military bases. New Jersey needs an independent commission to examine health-care delivery across the state and develop recommendations on potential hospital closures. And that commission needs the power to carry out those recommendations once there has been opportunity for rebuttal, public input and re-examination.
The independent commission already exists, and has done much of the groundwork in determining the state's health-care needs. But it's report issued earlier this year didn't name names of "non-essential" hospitals, and the group is strictly advisory.
As we've seen with Muhlenberg, the loss of a hospital is an emotional public event, and politicians from targeted communities will invariably attempt to block any closure -- as we also see in prolonged battles over military bases. The development of a statewide closure plan must be insulated from political pressures as much as possible. And in the end, the Legislature should be limited to an all-or-nothing acceptance of a plan, rather than plucking individual facilities from the list thanks to a particularly powerful legislator or two.
We're not entirely sure that some hospital closures are good for New Jersey. We do know, however, that simply waiting for a handful of facilities to close up shop after they've withered on the vine long enough isn't the way to manage the process.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Courier - Satellite ER planned
Published in the Courier News, Monday, April 21, 2008
Muhlenberg plans satellite emergency room
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — The impending closure of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center's acute-care facility will affect the lives of Plainfield-area residents in many ways — economically, socially, culturally and historically.
But what will it mean on the most visceral level, when an emergency hits home and someone needs to make a life-and-death decision?
No one can predict, but those planning and implementing the transition are working hard to make sure that disasters and personal tragedies can be averted.
Under the closure plan outlined by Solaris Health System, Muhlenberg's parent company, a "satellite emergency room" will remain on the Plainfield campus.
"Not only am I going to be there, but my entire staff is going to remain there," said Dr. Ken Herman, director of emergency services at Muhlenberg. "We will be there 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there will be backup coverage during the busiest times."
If a patient must go to an acute-care facility after being stabilized at the emergency room, he or she will be transferred to an acute-care facility, Herman said. "Patients won't sense any difference from beginning to end, except for admission to an inpatient setting, at which time, we will arrange for transportation."
Learning from experience
The situation will be very similar to what happened last year at Union Hospital in Union when, one day after its closure on Sept. 30, Atlantic Health's Overlook Hospital moved in and began operating a free-standing, 15-bed "emergency services deparment" with 75 staff members.
"We've been happy with how it's gone," said Alan Lieber, chief operating officer at Overlook's Summit facility. "We offer a very high level of care to the community."
Lieber points out that, unlike the Muhlenberg situation, a completely new unit had to be established at the Union site. Overlook EMTs and nurses spent time with area rescue squads, helping them make decisions in any given circumstance.
Squads from surrounding municipalities such as Elizabeth, Cranford, Roselle Park, Kenilworth, Springfield and Union itself were educated in procedures for determining where a patient should be taken. The more serious cases (those that will likely require hospitalization) often go directly to Overlook. The less serious still go to Union.
Once a patient is stabilized at the free-standing emergency facility, transportation can be arranged. Because Overlook operates its own ambulance service (with bases in Springfield and Union), staff members there are able to route and prioritize.
Lieber said Overlook decided to open and operate the Union facility "to avoid getting overwhelmed in Summit." Also, he said, "Those physicians closest to us indicated they were coming on our staff."
Now, Overlook is, once again, preparing for a similar scenario with Muhlenberg patients and staff.
"We're very concerned about this," Lieber said. "We are about to renovate our emergency department again, with 10 more bays starting next week. We are planning to increase our capacity."
The Union site will serve somewhat as the model for Muhlenberg's facility.
"A lot of this has been preregulated by the state as to what a satellite emergency room can provide," Herman said. "We consulted with the folks at Union. They have been very accommodating."
Herman said that anyone enroute to the Muhlenberg ER will not be told to go somewhere else.
"I want to assure the community and Solaris that they won't disappointed," Herman said. "If anyone has any questions or concerns, they can call me at (908) 668-2112."
Satellite services
Satellite emergency rooms are not new. They have been around since the 1970s in areas where full-service hospitals are no longer readily accessible.
The issue in Plainfield will revolve around how well the community accepts and adapts to the downsized facility. That is one of the myriad issues being discussed by a task force convened by Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Union, task force, in the wake of the Solaris announcement in February.
"We have to have a coordinated effort," Green said. "We have to set up networks with all other hospitals. It's important that all hospitals are buying in to what we have to do. We need to be prepared."
For example, if catastrophe strikes, "Robert Wood (with its trauma center in New Brunswick) would be at the top of the list," Green said.
Other surrounding hospitals such as Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson in Rahway, Solaris' JFK Medical Center in Edison and Somerset Medical Center in Somerville will be called on for support.
Green said the task force, which includes chief operating officers from all five surrounding hospitals, will have to determine which percentage of patients goes to each facility. "We have to know what hospitals we are sending them to," Green said. "Union has given us a lot of help in terms of where they could have done better and where they have been successful."
Green added: "We need state dollars for emergency rooms and state dollars for transportation. We need to get hospitals in position to take on added responsibility."
Question of time
For one area rescue squad, however, time might be more valuable than money.
"Until it closes, nothing changes much," said Doug Krisburg, captain of the North Plainfield Volunteer Rescue Squad. "When it does close, the impact will be troublesome. If we have to go to Overlook, the travel time will be a lot greater."
To avoid being caught short-handed, Krisburg said he will establish a "scramble crew" to back up the crew on duty.
"If the primary truck is out, the scramble crew will react," Krisburg said. "We'll do what we have to do."
The volunteer crews will not have time to wait for a patient to be stabilized at a satellite facility. If a patient needs to be transferred, that duty will fall to transport companies.
"Transport companies get paid to do that," Krisburg said, who said that sometimes his crew will help out North Plainfield residents, if at all possible. "We'll do what we have to do," Krisburg said.
Also affected on the transportation front will be the American Red Cross' Tri-County Chapter, which accommodates patients who need rides to scheduled doctors' apppointments and services like dialysis and chemotherapy.
"There is going to be a greater need," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Red Cross chapter. "Our program is fairly unique. We don't base it on the location of the hospital. We go to Robert Wood or to Jersey City. We take them where they need to be."
The Red Cross has two vehicles and two paid drivers and "we're always looking for volunteers," Rudy said. "I expect an increase. We will have to ramp up our service."
StoryChat
It was reported by the paper that Union has their own transport company located in Union and Springfield that enables a fast response time to the facility for emergent transports to an acute care facility. This is simply not true. The company that is contracted to do these transports is owned by the same company that owns Union ER, yet the main hub is in Livingston. There is not a dedicated transport crew just for Union. The response times have been paltry at best. The same will happen at Muhlenberg, however, Solaris does not have a transport team of their own. They will have to contract an outside company, usually the lowest bidder, which most likely will not be in the geographical area due to the lack of available paid resources. The process of requesting the transport can be time consuming. Factors include calling the hospitals for bed availablity, availablity of a transport team, time of day(most beds become available after 10pm), finding a doctor to accept the patient. And guess who gets to pay for the transports? You got it.
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:49 am
Jerseyred,
Just a short note: there are 3 other acute care facilities within a few miles of Muhlenberg. Now within a few miles?
That's all I have to say.
Have a good night!
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:37 pm
The only "argument" the narrow band of Muhlenberg advocates have been able to concoct over the least few weeks has been that people will die in emergency situations, even thought there is no evidence of that and there are 3 other acute care facilities within a few miles of Muhlenberg. I have mentioned, in addition to other facts, that Solairs had committed to maintaining emergency services on the Muhlenberg campus. Nothing matters. There are people who demand that a hospital which is financially unsustainable in an over-served area nevertheless remain open. But there has been not a single good, rational reason offered. I strongly suspect the certificate of need to close Muhlenberg is all but a foregone conclusion. It's hard to imagine a stronger case for closure than the one Muhlenberg has been victim of.
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:30 pm
Ive said it before ! If we dont put a stop to it, they will over run this country in 10 years !!!! Evil or Very Mad
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:54 pm
if you are not smart enough to see what is going on....well that is 3/4's the problem. of course charity care cases are what drove the hospital under. now most illegals have jobs, but they all work under the table where no insurance is offered. now instead of being charity cases they could purchase ins. instead they go for charity care. this is happening all over california , and the south west boarder states where hospitals are closing due to illegals. why they do this are they being cheap or are they affraid of trying to purchases ins. well one or the other its both their fault if they were not illegal they would have nothing to worry about, or shame on anyone who can afford ins. and doesn't get it to save themselves some money and put the burden on the taxpayers. now if you ask any hospital staff which i am not, but i have an illness that brings me to the er and for inpatient care often and i see this first hand. the er isn't filled with americans it is filled with illegals, that is just the way it is. the same thing is going on in schools, the taxpayers have to pay for these little anchor babies to get an education, when all they do is bring down the quality of service everywhere they go and raise the taxes. that is what is going to happen to somerset medical center now. the er will now be worse then it is packed with illegals looking for healthcare. who is going to suffer? the ins. holder the taxpayer who needs prompt and good care won't get it because the hospital is cutting back to pay for all the illegal charity cases. say well their are non illegals with charity care.. well we should take care of our own citizens who are down and out with an illness or on hard times. this is a house of cards and muhlenberg is just the begining of the fallout.....
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:50 pm
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg plans satellite emergency room
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — The impending closure of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center's acute-care facility will affect the lives of Plainfield-area residents in many ways — economically, socially, culturally and historically.
But what will it mean on the most visceral level, when an emergency hits home and someone needs to make a life-and-death decision?
No one can predict, but those planning and implementing the transition are working hard to make sure that disasters and personal tragedies can be averted.
Under the closure plan outlined by Solaris Health System, Muhlenberg's parent company, a "satellite emergency room" will remain on the Plainfield campus.
"Not only am I going to be there, but my entire staff is going to remain there," said Dr. Ken Herman, director of emergency services at Muhlenberg. "We will be there 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there will be backup coverage during the busiest times."
If a patient must go to an acute-care facility after being stabilized at the emergency room, he or she will be transferred to an acute-care facility, Herman said. "Patients won't sense any difference from beginning to end, except for admission to an inpatient setting, at which time, we will arrange for transportation."
Learning from experience
The situation will be very similar to what happened last year at Union Hospital in Union when, one day after its closure on Sept. 30, Atlantic Health's Overlook Hospital moved in and began operating a free-standing, 15-bed "emergency services deparment" with 75 staff members.
"We've been happy with how it's gone," said Alan Lieber, chief operating officer at Overlook's Summit facility. "We offer a very high level of care to the community."
Lieber points out that, unlike the Muhlenberg situation, a completely new unit had to be established at the Union site. Overlook EMTs and nurses spent time with area rescue squads, helping them make decisions in any given circumstance.
Squads from surrounding municipalities such as Elizabeth, Cranford, Roselle Park, Kenilworth, Springfield and Union itself were educated in procedures for determining where a patient should be taken. The more serious cases (those that will likely require hospitalization) often go directly to Overlook. The less serious still go to Union.
Once a patient is stabilized at the free-standing emergency facility, transportation can be arranged. Because Overlook operates its own ambulance service (with bases in Springfield and Union), staff members there are able to route and prioritize.
Lieber said Overlook decided to open and operate the Union facility "to avoid getting overwhelmed in Summit." Also, he said, "Those physicians closest to us indicated they were coming on our staff."
Now, Overlook is, once again, preparing for a similar scenario with Muhlenberg patients and staff.
"We're very concerned about this," Lieber said. "We are about to renovate our emergency department again, with 10 more bays starting next week. We are planning to increase our capacity."
The Union site will serve somewhat as the model for Muhlenberg's facility.
"A lot of this has been preregulated by the state as to what a satellite emergency room can provide," Herman said. "We consulted with the folks at Union. They have been very accommodating."
Herman said that anyone enroute to the Muhlenberg ER will not be told to go somewhere else.
"I want to assure the community and Solaris that they won't disappointed," Herman said. "If anyone has any questions or concerns, they can call me at (908) 668-2112."
Satellite services
Satellite emergency rooms are not new. They have been around since the 1970s in areas where full-service hospitals are no longer readily accessible.
The issue in Plainfield will revolve around how well the community accepts and adapts to the downsized facility. That is one of the myriad issues being discussed by a task force convened by Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Union, task force, in the wake of the Solaris announcement in February.
"We have to have a coordinated effort," Green said. "We have to set up networks with all other hospitals. It's important that all hospitals are buying in to what we have to do. We need to be prepared."
For example, if catastrophe strikes, "Robert Wood (with its trauma center in New Brunswick) would be at the top of the list," Green said.
Other surrounding hospitals such as Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson in Rahway, Solaris' JFK Medical Center in Edison and Somerset Medical Center in Somerville will be called on for support.
Green said the task force, which includes chief operating officers from all five surrounding hospitals, will have to determine which percentage of patients goes to each facility. "We have to know what hospitals we are sending them to," Green said. "Union has given us a lot of help in terms of where they could have done better and where they have been successful."
Green added: "We need state dollars for emergency rooms and state dollars for transportation. We need to get hospitals in position to take on added responsibility."
Question of time
For one area rescue squad, however, time might be more valuable than money.
"Until it closes, nothing changes much," said Doug Krisburg, captain of the North Plainfield Volunteer Rescue Squad. "When it does close, the impact will be troublesome. If we have to go to Overlook, the travel time will be a lot greater."
To avoid being caught short-handed, Krisburg said he will establish a "scramble crew" to back up the crew on duty.
"If the primary truck is out, the scramble crew will react," Krisburg said. "We'll do what we have to do."
The volunteer crews will not have time to wait for a patient to be stabilized at a satellite facility. If a patient needs to be transferred, that duty will fall to transport companies.
"Transport companies get paid to do that," Krisburg said, who said that sometimes his crew will help out North Plainfield residents, if at all possible. "We'll do what we have to do," Krisburg said.
Also affected on the transportation front will be the American Red Cross' Tri-County Chapter, which accommodates patients who need rides to scheduled doctors' apppointments and services like dialysis and chemotherapy.
"There is going to be a greater need," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Red Cross chapter. "Our program is fairly unique. We don't base it on the location of the hospital. We go to Robert Wood or to Jersey City. We take them where they need to be."
The Red Cross has two vehicles and two paid drivers and "we're always looking for volunteers," Rudy said. "I expect an increase. We will have to ramp up our service."
StoryChat
It was reported by the paper that Union has their own transport company located in Union and Springfield that enables a fast response time to the facility for emergent transports to an acute care facility. This is simply not true. The company that is contracted to do these transports is owned by the same company that owns Union ER, yet the main hub is in Livingston. There is not a dedicated transport crew just for Union. The response times have been paltry at best. The same will happen at Muhlenberg, however, Solaris does not have a transport team of their own. They will have to contract an outside company, usually the lowest bidder, which most likely will not be in the geographical area due to the lack of available paid resources. The process of requesting the transport can be time consuming. Factors include calling the hospitals for bed availablity, availablity of a transport team, time of day(most beds become available after 10pm), finding a doctor to accept the patient. And guess who gets to pay for the transports? You got it.
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:49 am
Jerseyred,
Just a short note: there are 3 other acute care facilities within a few miles of Muhlenberg. Now within a few miles?
That's all I have to say.
Have a good night!
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:37 pm
The only "argument" the narrow band of Muhlenberg advocates have been able to concoct over the least few weeks has been that people will die in emergency situations, even thought there is no evidence of that and there are 3 other acute care facilities within a few miles of Muhlenberg. I have mentioned, in addition to other facts, that Solairs had committed to maintaining emergency services on the Muhlenberg campus. Nothing matters. There are people who demand that a hospital which is financially unsustainable in an over-served area nevertheless remain open. But there has been not a single good, rational reason offered. I strongly suspect the certificate of need to close Muhlenberg is all but a foregone conclusion. It's hard to imagine a stronger case for closure than the one Muhlenberg has been victim of.
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:30 pm
Ive said it before ! If we dont put a stop to it, they will over run this country in 10 years !!!! Evil or Very Mad
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:54 pm
if you are not smart enough to see what is going on....well that is 3/4's the problem. of course charity care cases are what drove the hospital under. now most illegals have jobs, but they all work under the table where no insurance is offered. now instead of being charity cases they could purchase ins. instead they go for charity care. this is happening all over california , and the south west boarder states where hospitals are closing due to illegals. why they do this are they being cheap or are they affraid of trying to purchases ins. well one or the other its both their fault if they were not illegal they would have nothing to worry about, or shame on anyone who can afford ins. and doesn't get it to save themselves some money and put the burden on the taxpayers. now if you ask any hospital staff which i am not, but i have an illness that brings me to the er and for inpatient care often and i see this first hand. the er isn't filled with americans it is filled with illegals, that is just the way it is. the same thing is going on in schools, the taxpayers have to pay for these little anchor babies to get an education, when all they do is bring down the quality of service everywhere they go and raise the taxes. that is what is going to happen to somerset medical center now. the er will now be worse then it is packed with illegals looking for healthcare. who is going to suffer? the ins. holder the taxpayer who needs prompt and good care won't get it because the hospital is cutting back to pay for all the illegal charity cases. say well their are non illegals with charity care.. well we should take care of our own citizens who are down and out with an illness or on hard times. this is a house of cards and muhlenberg is just the begining of the fallout.....
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:50 pm
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Courier - 'Save Muhlenberg' and 'Hour of Power'
Published in the Courier News, Monday, April 21, 2008
POWER OF PRAYER
Hundreds aim to save Muhlenberg
By JARED KALTWASSER
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — A mix of emotions — outrage, hope and fear — permeated throughout the gathering of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center supporters Saturday afternoon, but one prevailing idea surmounted all others, the idea that in faith and solidarity there was power.
"You never stop trying," said Rose Marie Cathcart, a city resident who said she's been regularly coming to Muhlenberg for cardiac rehabilitation since a heart attack 10 years ago. "You keep believing and always have hope and faith that maybe something will change."
Cathcart was one of roughly 300 people who gathered at noon in the Muhlenberg parking lot at Randolph Road and Park Avenue for the Hour of Power Prayer Vigil. The event was organized by the People's Organization for Progress and led by at least 10 local religious leaders. Parishioners from Christian, Jewish and Muslim backgrounds were among those gathered.
The vigil was the latest in a series of demonstrations aimed at forcing Solaris Health System, Muhlenberg's parent company, to reverse it's decision to shut down most of the 130-year-old hospital's operations.
Solaris announced the plan in February, and the closure could begin as early as mid-June.
The prayer vigil began with the gathered breaking up into small groups, joining hands, and praying.
Rev. Carolyn Eklund, pastor at the city's Grace Episcopal Church, said the small group prayer was a moving experience.
"We were each praying for each of us and our needs," she said. "People I didn't even know we shared our names and prayed, the five of us."
Jane Lendach, a Dunellen resident who has worked at the hospital for the past 27 years, said the medical center is more than just her workplace, it's a family.
"It's sad. Very sad," she said. "Because the thing is, people don't want to leave. It's such a great place to work."
Lendach is a Catholic and she said she most often attends Mass at the hospital's chapel. She said an average of 100 people meet each Sunday morning.
Lendach said she'll have a job at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, another Solaris property, but she wants to stay at Muhlenberg.
Larry Hamm, chairman of the People's Organization for Progress, called Muhlenberg "one of the finest hospitals in the nation."
He chastised both Solaris and Commissioner Heather Howard of the state Department of Health and Senior Services for giving up on Muhlenberg. He cited recent comments by Howard indicating that Muhlenberg's closing would make the John F. Kennedy Medical Center stronger.
"We ask the commissioner to refrain from making any more negative statements until she has heard the voice of the people, and the voice of the people has to be heard," he said.
Local activist Carmen Salavarrieta said she was there Saturday to represent the city's large Hispanic population. She said other residents are fearful of speaking up because some blame the hospital's closing on charity care provided to uninsured and undocumented residents.
"People are afraid to come out," she said. "People don't feel like they have a voice."
Saturday was the first rally since efforts were announced to raise $100 million and buy the hospital. Volunteers carried around sign-up sheets asking people to purchase a "share" of the hospital for a $20 donation. Those who did received T-shirts bearing a new slogan, "Buy Muhlenberg."
Bishop Herbert Bright of the city's Faith Tabernacle Church and an executive with the Concerned Urban Clergy, said he felt Solaris wasn't interested in saving Muhlenberg.
"I don't really see them offering solutions to keep the hospital open," he said. "They (Solaris) have all told us reasons they should close. There's no talk about why they should stay open."
After a series of prayers and speeches by local clergy, the masses formed a line and began marching seven times around the parking lot. The action was meant to symbolize the biblical fall of Jericho, where Joshua and the Israelites marched around Jericho's walls and the walls crumbled.
Organizers of Saturday's event, though, are prepared for a more drawn-out battle. They will hold a mass organizational meeting at the DuCret School of the Arts, 1030 Central Ave., on Monday night at 6 p.m. That meeting will be followed by a candle light vigil at the municipal court, 325 Watchung Ave. at 7:30 p.m., just before the City Council meeting at 8 p.m.
But even as the fight wages on, Ella Nicholson, a former nurse at the hospital and resident of South Plainfield, said she'll stay hopeful.
"I'm very optimistic," she said. "God is in charge of things. I really feel prayer can work."
StoryChat
What about the chickens ?????????? Laughing Laughing Laughing
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:42 pm
cdesisgn, take your meds and calm down.
What I wrote (as opposed to what you read) is that "paying" patients--i.e., those with a choice as to the acute care facility to which they'd be directed--have increasingly opted AWAY from Muhlenberg. That is a fact and one not even the most strident Muhlenberg advocate can deny.
The rest of your posts have reached new levels of inanity. I'm not pushing anyone to any other hospitals. You need to distinguish someone who acknowledges the circumstances giving rise to Muhlenberg's closure and someone who therefore is the cause of the closure. As I have said here many times, I don't care if Muhlenberg closes. In fact, that would be a wonderful outcome, AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT REQUIRE FURTHER TAX DOLLARS (which we don't have!) OR THREATEN THE CONTINUED SOLVENCY OF SOLARIS.
Now let me try and explain how I believe healthcare works, as it relates to acute care hospitals. If Muhlenberg needs to deliver care to indigents with a value of, let's say, $15MM, when Muhlenberg closes that care will divert to one or more other hospitals. However, those other hospitals will not bear the infrastructure, personnel, administrative and other indirect costs associated with that care. And, the non-indigent care will also divert to these other facilities capable of handling it--i.e., those with some excess capacity--and that will help those other facilities.
As to how I could know what Solaris has been going through over the last 10 years since it purchased Muhlenberg...your brilliant deduction is that I must be an insider. In fact, I must be Casey. As I said in your other thread, I've been posting here for years so unless I've been laying in wait just in case Muhlenberg went under, your "theory" is patently absurd. So let's apply Ochem's razor to this issue of how I know what I know, shall we. Well, let's see. What's the most reasonable way that I could know public information about Solaris and Muhlenberg? That would be by reading published reports going back at least a year on this very topic. Anyone who can read knows that Solaris made every effort to find a buyer for Muhlenberg. That's THE most logical answer to your quest for how I could possibly know what I know. Only after you exclude the likelihood (and fact!) that that's how I come to know what I know should you move to the next most logical possibility. In this case, you'd need to go down a long list of more plausible possibilities (including knowledge infused by alien abduction and that I'm the ghost of Mr. Muhlenberg) before you got to your absurd "conclusion". Brilliant, cdesign, just briliiant!
Try and get this once and for all, because you are tiring and challenge my patience with your tangential flights of fancy. New Jersey has 78 hospitals. Twenty years ago we had 112. In the last year-and-a-half, four hospitals have closed and another four (including Muhlenberg) have announced plans to shut down; five more have filed for bankruptcy. State aid is declining. Get it! There's a little bit of a problem, and anyone who reads and cares has known about it for years. But through all your posts you--and your fellow "save Muhlenberg at any cost" proponents have yet to present a single rational reason for Muhlenberg to remain open. Yes, your family goes there. Yes, your child was born there! Those are important facts to you. Now develop some arguments that would COMPEL the State to refuse a certificate of need or a buyer to jump in or Solaris to suck it up and continue to threaten its financial well-being. So far, with each post you get more irrational, shrill and silly. What you haven't done is offer one, single solid argument to defend the hospital for which you pretend to advocate.
Why don't you hunker down, do your homework, understand the issues and challenges and come back with a thoughtful commentary, one directed at a point of view on the ISSUES. I know you WANT Muhlenberg to stay opened. Now tell us why the taxpayers and healthcare users of this State should support that proposition, the way a business person like your husband would.
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:24 pm
Jerseyred:
You wrote: And many voted against Muhlenberg; at least those not seeking "free care" and convenience. This is an insult to the upstanding citizens of surrounding areas. Not everyone is looking for free care and convience. My parents and other family members are looking for the fine care that Muhlenberg provided over the last 90 years. They paid their dues!!!!
In addition to the fact, that since you are pushing everyone to these other hospitals. Guess what-the problems are going to follow to the other hospitals. Now, guess what? Which hospital will be next to close? Then the next and the next! Ha! Ha! When all the hospitals are closed, where will everyone go? You claim its because of free care cases. That will happen at the next hospital too!
Now people, you think Jerseyred is so smart! Guess what-he may deal with statistical information but he is not telling you that another hospital will have the same fate as Muhlenberg once these free care cases are pushed to JFK or Overlook etc! In fact, I have suspiscions that Jerseyred is Mr. Casey for Solaris, who wants Muhlenberg to close so that Solaris can reap the benefits from JFK instead. That's why he comes across that he so smart. If he isn't Mr. Casey from Solaris he wouldn't know that Solaris tried hard to find a way to make Muhlenberg self-sustaining or at least close to self-sustaining...for years. Where is a glimmer of a reasonable plan--one Solaris didn't consider--to keep it open.
So people think it over and see Jerseyred for who is really is!
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 7:27 pm
ICare wrote..."The hospital is only one symptom of Plainfield's problems and they are many. One is education. "
Absolutely! If Muhlenberg maintained the reputation it had years ago it would be thriving. But I suspect that, as Plainfield's decline as a city progressed over the years, Muhlenberg was painted with that same broad brush of decline. And people from surrounding environs opted for a "friendlier" facility...one in Summit or Edison or New Brunswick. When people have choices--and, in this area, we have many--they vote with their feet. And many voted against Muhlenberg; at least those not seeking "free care" and convenience. Add to that the entire issue of healthcare funding, indigent care, tort reform and unnecessary medical litigation and you have the perfect storm for closing a hospital in an otherwise well-served area.
These are complex issues which not even the experts at Solaris could solve. Now a group of Monday morning amateur quarterbacks are having rallies and seeking publicity in a cause which requires careful planning, logic and, mostly, a thorough understanding of the problems. Absent that--and I have seen none of it here or in any press reports--Muhlenberg will close! Personally, I think Muhlenberg is a long-ago lost cause. However I do think it can serve as a model for what can, and will, happen if people don't wake up to the web of healthcare crises and work to strengthen the acute care facilities which remain.
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 6:33 pm
jerseyred, As I have read your words I think your background and abilities are far better than Story Chat with individuals like me. In a very few days I will be a senior senior with a future of memory loss, diapers and prayers for an eternal home. At the university, after late studies there would be a knock on the door and armed with a cool bottle, no drugs, we would sit back and discuss world shaking problems that we could not solve. I think I would like to do that again. In a nearby town a writer tried it in a library, no go. There are so many subjects to be discussed and we waste time calling others stupid. For some reason Blogs do not fill the bill. I have a few issues involving a level playing field such as utility billing and usury. In these the poor, the elderly and those trying to conserve resources are put upon. The hospital is only one symptom of Plainfield's problems and they are many. One is education.
I Care ..and will watch for your issue words in silence. Do stay up there and not to slip
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 6:02 pm
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
POWER OF PRAYER
Hundreds aim to save Muhlenberg
By JARED KALTWASSER
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — A mix of emotions — outrage, hope and fear — permeated throughout the gathering of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center supporters Saturday afternoon, but one prevailing idea surmounted all others, the idea that in faith and solidarity there was power.
"You never stop trying," said Rose Marie Cathcart, a city resident who said she's been regularly coming to Muhlenberg for cardiac rehabilitation since a heart attack 10 years ago. "You keep believing and always have hope and faith that maybe something will change."
Cathcart was one of roughly 300 people who gathered at noon in the Muhlenberg parking lot at Randolph Road and Park Avenue for the Hour of Power Prayer Vigil. The event was organized by the People's Organization for Progress and led by at least 10 local religious leaders. Parishioners from Christian, Jewish and Muslim backgrounds were among those gathered.
The vigil was the latest in a series of demonstrations aimed at forcing Solaris Health System, Muhlenberg's parent company, to reverse it's decision to shut down most of the 130-year-old hospital's operations.
Solaris announced the plan in February, and the closure could begin as early as mid-June.
The prayer vigil began with the gathered breaking up into small groups, joining hands, and praying.
Rev. Carolyn Eklund, pastor at the city's Grace Episcopal Church, said the small group prayer was a moving experience.
"We were each praying for each of us and our needs," she said. "People I didn't even know we shared our names and prayed, the five of us."
Jane Lendach, a Dunellen resident who has worked at the hospital for the past 27 years, said the medical center is more than just her workplace, it's a family.
"It's sad. Very sad," she said. "Because the thing is, people don't want to leave. It's such a great place to work."
Lendach is a Catholic and she said she most often attends Mass at the hospital's chapel. She said an average of 100 people meet each Sunday morning.
Lendach said she'll have a job at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, another Solaris property, but she wants to stay at Muhlenberg.
Larry Hamm, chairman of the People's Organization for Progress, called Muhlenberg "one of the finest hospitals in the nation."
He chastised both Solaris and Commissioner Heather Howard of the state Department of Health and Senior Services for giving up on Muhlenberg. He cited recent comments by Howard indicating that Muhlenberg's closing would make the John F. Kennedy Medical Center stronger.
"We ask the commissioner to refrain from making any more negative statements until she has heard the voice of the people, and the voice of the people has to be heard," he said.
Local activist Carmen Salavarrieta said she was there Saturday to represent the city's large Hispanic population. She said other residents are fearful of speaking up because some blame the hospital's closing on charity care provided to uninsured and undocumented residents.
"People are afraid to come out," she said. "People don't feel like they have a voice."
Saturday was the first rally since efforts were announced to raise $100 million and buy the hospital. Volunteers carried around sign-up sheets asking people to purchase a "share" of the hospital for a $20 donation. Those who did received T-shirts bearing a new slogan, "Buy Muhlenberg."
Bishop Herbert Bright of the city's Faith Tabernacle Church and an executive with the Concerned Urban Clergy, said he felt Solaris wasn't interested in saving Muhlenberg.
"I don't really see them offering solutions to keep the hospital open," he said. "They (Solaris) have all told us reasons they should close. There's no talk about why they should stay open."
After a series of prayers and speeches by local clergy, the masses formed a line and began marching seven times around the parking lot. The action was meant to symbolize the biblical fall of Jericho, where Joshua and the Israelites marched around Jericho's walls and the walls crumbled.
Organizers of Saturday's event, though, are prepared for a more drawn-out battle. They will hold a mass organizational meeting at the DuCret School of the Arts, 1030 Central Ave., on Monday night at 6 p.m. That meeting will be followed by a candle light vigil at the municipal court, 325 Watchung Ave. at 7:30 p.m., just before the City Council meeting at 8 p.m.
But even as the fight wages on, Ella Nicholson, a former nurse at the hospital and resident of South Plainfield, said she'll stay hopeful.
"I'm very optimistic," she said. "God is in charge of things. I really feel prayer can work."
StoryChat
What about the chickens ?????????? Laughing Laughing Laughing
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:42 pm
cdesisgn, take your meds and calm down.
What I wrote (as opposed to what you read) is that "paying" patients--i.e., those with a choice as to the acute care facility to which they'd be directed--have increasingly opted AWAY from Muhlenberg. That is a fact and one not even the most strident Muhlenberg advocate can deny.
The rest of your posts have reached new levels of inanity. I'm not pushing anyone to any other hospitals. You need to distinguish someone who acknowledges the circumstances giving rise to Muhlenberg's closure and someone who therefore is the cause of the closure. As I have said here many times, I don't care if Muhlenberg closes. In fact, that would be a wonderful outcome, AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT REQUIRE FURTHER TAX DOLLARS (which we don't have!) OR THREATEN THE CONTINUED SOLVENCY OF SOLARIS.
Now let me try and explain how I believe healthcare works, as it relates to acute care hospitals. If Muhlenberg needs to deliver care to indigents with a value of, let's say, $15MM, when Muhlenberg closes that care will divert to one or more other hospitals. However, those other hospitals will not bear the infrastructure, personnel, administrative and other indirect costs associated with that care. And, the non-indigent care will also divert to these other facilities capable of handling it--i.e., those with some excess capacity--and that will help those other facilities.
As to how I could know what Solaris has been going through over the last 10 years since it purchased Muhlenberg...your brilliant deduction is that I must be an insider. In fact, I must be Casey. As I said in your other thread, I've been posting here for years so unless I've been laying in wait just in case Muhlenberg went under, your "theory" is patently absurd. So let's apply Ochem's razor to this issue of how I know what I know, shall we. Well, let's see. What's the most reasonable way that I could know public information about Solaris and Muhlenberg? That would be by reading published reports going back at least a year on this very topic. Anyone who can read knows that Solaris made every effort to find a buyer for Muhlenberg. That's THE most logical answer to your quest for how I could possibly know what I know. Only after you exclude the likelihood (and fact!) that that's how I come to know what I know should you move to the next most logical possibility. In this case, you'd need to go down a long list of more plausible possibilities (including knowledge infused by alien abduction and that I'm the ghost of Mr. Muhlenberg) before you got to your absurd "conclusion". Brilliant, cdesign, just briliiant!
Try and get this once and for all, because you are tiring and challenge my patience with your tangential flights of fancy. New Jersey has 78 hospitals. Twenty years ago we had 112. In the last year-and-a-half, four hospitals have closed and another four (including Muhlenberg) have announced plans to shut down; five more have filed for bankruptcy. State aid is declining. Get it! There's a little bit of a problem, and anyone who reads and cares has known about it for years. But through all your posts you--and your fellow "save Muhlenberg at any cost" proponents have yet to present a single rational reason for Muhlenberg to remain open. Yes, your family goes there. Yes, your child was born there! Those are important facts to you. Now develop some arguments that would COMPEL the State to refuse a certificate of need or a buyer to jump in or Solaris to suck it up and continue to threaten its financial well-being. So far, with each post you get more irrational, shrill and silly. What you haven't done is offer one, single solid argument to defend the hospital for which you pretend to advocate.
Why don't you hunker down, do your homework, understand the issues and challenges and come back with a thoughtful commentary, one directed at a point of view on the ISSUES. I know you WANT Muhlenberg to stay opened. Now tell us why the taxpayers and healthcare users of this State should support that proposition, the way a business person like your husband would.
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:24 pm
Jerseyred:
You wrote: And many voted against Muhlenberg; at least those not seeking "free care" and convenience. This is an insult to the upstanding citizens of surrounding areas. Not everyone is looking for free care and convience. My parents and other family members are looking for the fine care that Muhlenberg provided over the last 90 years. They paid their dues!!!!
In addition to the fact, that since you are pushing everyone to these other hospitals. Guess what-the problems are going to follow to the other hospitals. Now, guess what? Which hospital will be next to close? Then the next and the next! Ha! Ha! When all the hospitals are closed, where will everyone go? You claim its because of free care cases. That will happen at the next hospital too!
Now people, you think Jerseyred is so smart! Guess what-he may deal with statistical information but he is not telling you that another hospital will have the same fate as Muhlenberg once these free care cases are pushed to JFK or Overlook etc! In fact, I have suspiscions that Jerseyred is Mr. Casey for Solaris, who wants Muhlenberg to close so that Solaris can reap the benefits from JFK instead. That's why he comes across that he so smart. If he isn't Mr. Casey from Solaris he wouldn't know that Solaris tried hard to find a way to make Muhlenberg self-sustaining or at least close to self-sustaining...for years. Where is a glimmer of a reasonable plan--one Solaris didn't consider--to keep it open.
So people think it over and see Jerseyred for who is really is!
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 7:27 pm
ICare wrote..."The hospital is only one symptom of Plainfield's problems and they are many. One is education. "
Absolutely! If Muhlenberg maintained the reputation it had years ago it would be thriving. But I suspect that, as Plainfield's decline as a city progressed over the years, Muhlenberg was painted with that same broad brush of decline. And people from surrounding environs opted for a "friendlier" facility...one in Summit or Edison or New Brunswick. When people have choices--and, in this area, we have many--they vote with their feet. And many voted against Muhlenberg; at least those not seeking "free care" and convenience. Add to that the entire issue of healthcare funding, indigent care, tort reform and unnecessary medical litigation and you have the perfect storm for closing a hospital in an otherwise well-served area.
These are complex issues which not even the experts at Solaris could solve. Now a group of Monday morning amateur quarterbacks are having rallies and seeking publicity in a cause which requires careful planning, logic and, mostly, a thorough understanding of the problems. Absent that--and I have seen none of it here or in any press reports--Muhlenberg will close! Personally, I think Muhlenberg is a long-ago lost cause. However I do think it can serve as a model for what can, and will, happen if people don't wake up to the web of healthcare crises and work to strengthen the acute care facilities which remain.
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 6:33 pm
jerseyred, As I have read your words I think your background and abilities are far better than Story Chat with individuals like me. In a very few days I will be a senior senior with a future of memory loss, diapers and prayers for an eternal home. At the university, after late studies there would be a knock on the door and armed with a cool bottle, no drugs, we would sit back and discuss world shaking problems that we could not solve. I think I would like to do that again. In a nearby town a writer tried it in a library, no go. There are so many subjects to be discussed and we waste time calling others stupid. For some reason Blogs do not fill the bill. I have a few issues involving a level playing field such as utility billing and usury. In these the poor, the elderly and those trying to conserve resources are put upon. The hospital is only one symptom of Plainfield's problems and they are many. One is education.
I Care ..and will watch for your issue words in silence. Do stay up there and not to slip
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 6:02 pm
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Ledger - 'Save Muhlenberg' campaign launched
Published in the Star-Ledger, Sunday, April 20, 2008
Residents launch plan to purchase hospital
BY SEUNG MIN KIM
Star-Ledger Staff
They wanted more than the public protests -- both at home and in Trenton -- in order to save their beloved hospital.
To save the Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, supporters vowed to put money where their mouths are -- promising to raise millions of dollars and enlist the help of residents, financiers and at least one member of the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.
With the Plainfield hospital as a backdrop, about 200 people gathered yesterday to lead a prayer vigil to protest the facility's planned closing -- the fifth demonstration in recent weeks. But this time, organizers launched the grassroots fundraising plan to purchase Muhlenberg from owner Solaris Health System, which announced in February the hospital would close later this year as a result of fiscal difficulties.
"We completely reject the idea that Muhlenberg is failing," said Plainfield resident Olive Lynch, a council candidate for the Third Ward who proposed the idea to purchase the hospital. "If that message is conveyed to people ... there is a lot of support for this, and I think people will be very surprised at the response."
Lynch said shares of the hospital will be sold for $20 each to raise enough money to meet Muhlenberg's asking price -- which Solaris spokesman Steven Weiss said was at least $70 million.
"I don't know of a successful private endeavor that resulted in the purchase of a hospital in New Jersey," Weiss said. "The costs of running a hospital ... that's the very reason why we are in this situation at Muhlenberg."
But in front of the 396-bed acute care facility yesterday, hospital supporters collected at least $20,000 in pledges to the cause.
Muhlenberg physician Brian Fertig said Giants center Shaun O'Hara, who lives in Hillsborough, has told him he would lend his name and clout to the Plainfield hospital's cause.
"I'm not saying there isn't a lot of waste in health care," said Fertig, who said he knows O'Hara through treating the player's father, David. "Clearly for fiscal efficiency, hospitals need to close. But this isn't one of those hospitals."
O'Hara could not be reached for comment yesterday.
During the two-hour rally, clergy leaders led several rounds of prayers -- both as a large group and in dozens of smaller circles, with supporters clasping hands and chanting prayers.
"We're here to save Muhlenberg ... to keep people safe, to help employees, help everyone who needs this," said North Plainfield resident Kathy Bottone, 47, her head bowed in prayer.
"So many people are depending on this hospital," said Plainfield resident Elizabeth David, 65.
Solaris officials have cited several economic reasons for the closure. Muhlenberg's emergency room treated about 35,000 patients last year and provided $15.4 million in charity care. However, officials said, the state reimbursed only $6.2 million of those costs.
Edison's JFK Medical Center, five miles away, would be the closest hospital for area residents if Muhlenberg -- which officials project would record $18 million in losses this year -- closes.
Weiss reiterated yesterday that Solaris officials received no formal offers to purchase Muhlenberg when they put the 131-year-old hospital up for sale last fall. Several protesters, however, said Solaris had received offers but they weren't what the company wanted.
A formal offer means "the disclosure of names of the principals, a clearly defined source of funding and operating experience," Weiss said. "And to that, there was no formal offer."
The state Department of Health and Senior Services has scheduled a hearing on May 6 for the public to comment on Solaris' application to close Muhlenberg. The hearing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium at Plainfield High School, 950 Park Ave.
Organizers, including the People's Organization for Progress and the Concerned Urban Clergy of Plainfield and Vicinity, also said the groups will return to Trenton on May 8 to attend a hearing of the Assembly Health Committee.
Seung Min Kim may be reached at skim@starledger.com or (908) 429-9925.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Residents launch plan to purchase hospital
BY SEUNG MIN KIM
Star-Ledger Staff
They wanted more than the public protests -- both at home and in Trenton -- in order to save their beloved hospital.
To save the Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, supporters vowed to put money where their mouths are -- promising to raise millions of dollars and enlist the help of residents, financiers and at least one member of the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.
With the Plainfield hospital as a backdrop, about 200 people gathered yesterday to lead a prayer vigil to protest the facility's planned closing -- the fifth demonstration in recent weeks. But this time, organizers launched the grassroots fundraising plan to purchase Muhlenberg from owner Solaris Health System, which announced in February the hospital would close later this year as a result of fiscal difficulties.
"We completely reject the idea that Muhlenberg is failing," said Plainfield resident Olive Lynch, a council candidate for the Third Ward who proposed the idea to purchase the hospital. "If that message is conveyed to people ... there is a lot of support for this, and I think people will be very surprised at the response."
Lynch said shares of the hospital will be sold for $20 each to raise enough money to meet Muhlenberg's asking price -- which Solaris spokesman Steven Weiss said was at least $70 million.
"I don't know of a successful private endeavor that resulted in the purchase of a hospital in New Jersey," Weiss said. "The costs of running a hospital ... that's the very reason why we are in this situation at Muhlenberg."
But in front of the 396-bed acute care facility yesterday, hospital supporters collected at least $20,000 in pledges to the cause.
Muhlenberg physician Brian Fertig said Giants center Shaun O'Hara, who lives in Hillsborough, has told him he would lend his name and clout to the Plainfield hospital's cause.
"I'm not saying there isn't a lot of waste in health care," said Fertig, who said he knows O'Hara through treating the player's father, David. "Clearly for fiscal efficiency, hospitals need to close. But this isn't one of those hospitals."
O'Hara could not be reached for comment yesterday.
During the two-hour rally, clergy leaders led several rounds of prayers -- both as a large group and in dozens of smaller circles, with supporters clasping hands and chanting prayers.
"We're here to save Muhlenberg ... to keep people safe, to help employees, help everyone who needs this," said North Plainfield resident Kathy Bottone, 47, her head bowed in prayer.
"So many people are depending on this hospital," said Plainfield resident Elizabeth David, 65.
Solaris officials have cited several economic reasons for the closure. Muhlenberg's emergency room treated about 35,000 patients last year and provided $15.4 million in charity care. However, officials said, the state reimbursed only $6.2 million of those costs.
Edison's JFK Medical Center, five miles away, would be the closest hospital for area residents if Muhlenberg -- which officials project would record $18 million in losses this year -- closes.
Weiss reiterated yesterday that Solaris officials received no formal offers to purchase Muhlenberg when they put the 131-year-old hospital up for sale last fall. Several protesters, however, said Solaris had received offers but they weren't what the company wanted.
A formal offer means "the disclosure of names of the principals, a clearly defined source of funding and operating experience," Weiss said. "And to that, there was no formal offer."
The state Department of Health and Senior Services has scheduled a hearing on May 6 for the public to comment on Solaris' application to close Muhlenberg. The hearing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium at Plainfield High School, 950 Park Ave.
Organizers, including the People's Organization for Progress and the Concerned Urban Clergy of Plainfield and Vicinity, also said the groups will return to Trenton on May 8 to attend a hearing of the Assembly Health Committee.
Seung Min Kim may be reached at skim@starledger.com or (908) 429-9925.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Courier - OpEd by Jerry Green on Board Prez
Published in the Courier News, Friday, April 18, 2008
OpEd
Criticism of Muhlenberg chair grounded in accountability
I don't usually respond to editorial criticism, but the editorial in the April 9 Courier News was so misleading that I cannot just let it pass.
In calling for Ron West's resignation from his position as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, I am not blaming him for the hospital's problems. The responsibility for our current health care crisis starts at the White House, which has used up the country's surplus, put our nation into debt that will take generations to overcome, and made drastic cuts in federal health-care funding and in other aid to the states.
As a member of the Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services, I have seen how those funding cuts have impacted health-care facilities all over the state. Although I am especially concerned about Muhlenberg, I recognize the need for action throughout New Jersey, particularly in urban areas, to make sure that quality health care is available to all.
But I have cast no blame on Mr. West personally or on Gov. Corzine or on anyone else for Muhlenberg's problems. In fact, I have been working with the leadership of Solaris Health Systems for years to make sure that Muhlenberg has received special funding from the state, and I am continuing to do that. As a representative of Plainfield and the rest of the 22nd Legislative District, that is my responsibility. And it is also my responsibility to share information with local decision-makers and, to the maximum possible extent, with the community.
Similarly, the Muhlenberg Board of Trustees should be concerned about the community served by its Regional Medical Center, and as chairman of that board, Mr. West has an obligation to act in the community's best interests. As a representative of Muhlenberg on the Solaris Board, he should be doing that also. Certainly, as a Plainfielder, he should be concerned about the impact of the potential closing of Muhlenberg on the entire Plainfield community. And he should not have concealed those plans from the community he is supposed to serve.
Unfortunately, Mr. West seems to have disregarded those obligations. I have learned from members of Gov. Corzine's administration that even before Solaris announced its plans, Mr. West had already agreed -- as a member of the Solaris Board representing Muhlenberg -- to close our medical center. And he did this without telling our citizens or our community's leadership. Perhaps he may have felt that he could not speak to the public as a representative of Muhlenberg or on behalf of the Board of Trustees. But holding such positions does not deprive anyone of the right to free speech -- and if ever a time for communication with the community was needed, it was before the decision was made. I believe Mr. West owes our community an explanation.
I have been attending the marches and rallies held protesting the hospital's planned closing, and I have seen the pain on the faces of employees and listened to their concerns. I have heard the personal stories of citizens whose lives have been saved by the Muhlenberg staff. I know that this community needs its hospital. And it saddens me that Mr. West, as chairman of the Muhlenberg board, has been unwilling to meet with the community or to come to any of the rallies and explain why he agreed to close the hospital. All of those rallies were announced, the public knew about them, and they were well attended.
Members of the Plainfield community and the surrounding areas served by Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center have a right to know the reasons for Solaris' plan to close their hospital, what health care services will remain if that happens, and what will happen to the rest of the Muhlenberg campus. Mr. West, as chairman of the Muhlenberg Board of Trustees, has shown no interest in communicating with the public on these important issues, and this is unconscionable. It's important that we have people on the Muhlenberg board who feel responsible to our community, who will stand up for the needs of our community, and who will tell the truth to our community. Anyone who is not willing to do that should not serve on that Board of Trustees, and that's why I have called for Mr. West's resignation.
There are some people in Plainfield, including Mr. Adrian Mapp and others with their own political agenda, who never miss a chance to point their fingers at Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs and at me whenever any problem comes up. Now that's blame. But Muhlenberg's current crisis is much too important to our community to be used as a political football.
I haven't cast any blame before, and I'm not doing it now. I have called for Mr. West's resignation and replacement because of his indifference to the needs of this community. My concern is accountability.
Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Plainfield, represents the 22nd Legislative District.
StoryChat
Send an email to this email address:
SaveHospital-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
This listserve is sponsored by People's Organization for Progress and citizens who are actively involved in "save Muhlenberg Hospital" campaign.
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 8:11 pm
Jerry Green is once again misleading the public and LYING about what has transpired at Muhlenberg. To say that he is not "blaming" someone and then to go on and bloviate for several paragraphs while continuing to cast blame is ridiculous, and the DESPERATE tactic of a PATHETIC DEMAGOGUE. Mr. Green is the one who should be enlisting the support of his fellow legislators. Thus far, we have not seen in print ONE SINGLE WORD from Linda Stender or Nicholas Scutair, the other 2 legislators for the 22nd District. Do they not care about Plainfield and its population?? What about Jerry working with his colleagues at the state level to make sure they vote against the hospital closing? He is always saying how close he is to the governor, and how much power he holds in Trenton. Well, why don't you use that power to lobby for a hospital in the community where you live, Mr. Green? You talk about accountability--where's YOUR accountability? You sold us down the river with your vote against Abbott recently, and you said that if you knew what was going to happen, you wouldn't have voted that way. Plainfield is tired of your continuous lies and your refusal to do anything to help us. You always vote the way you are told. Why don't you just admit that--you are a puppet for the people who keep you on the line. You say that Muhlenberg should not be used as a "political football" and yet that is precisely how you use it. Many people have recorded your comments, so you are on record as a LIAR.
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:42 am
Jerry Green is once again misleading the public and LYING about what has transpired at Muhlenberg. To say that he is not "blaming" someone and then to go on and bloviate for several paragraphs while continuing to cast blame is ridiculous, and the DESPERATE tactic of a PATHETIC DEMAGOGUE. Mr. Green is the one who should be enlisting the support of his fellow legislators. Thus far, we have not seen in print ONE SINGLE WORD from Linda Stender or Nicholas Scutari, the other 2 legislators for the 22nd District. Do they not care about Plainfield and its population?? What about Jerry working with his colleagues at the state level to make sure they vote against the hospital closing? He is always saying how close he is to the governor, and how much power he holds in Trenton. Well, why don't you use that power to lobby for a hospital in the community where you live, Mr. Green? You talk about accountability--where's YOUR accountability? You sold us down the river with your vote against Abbott recently, and you said that if you knew what was going to happen, you wouldn't have voted that way. Plainfield is tired of your continuous lies and your refusal to do anything to help us. You always vote the way you are told. Why don't you just admit that--you are a puppet for the people who keep you on the line. You say that Muhlenberg should not be used as a "political football" and yet that is precisely how you use it. Many people have recorded your comments, so you are on record as a LIAR.
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:34 am
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
OpEd
Criticism of Muhlenberg chair grounded in accountability
I don't usually respond to editorial criticism, but the editorial in the April 9 Courier News was so misleading that I cannot just let it pass.
In calling for Ron West's resignation from his position as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, I am not blaming him for the hospital's problems. The responsibility for our current health care crisis starts at the White House, which has used up the country's surplus, put our nation into debt that will take generations to overcome, and made drastic cuts in federal health-care funding and in other aid to the states.
As a member of the Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services, I have seen how those funding cuts have impacted health-care facilities all over the state. Although I am especially concerned about Muhlenberg, I recognize the need for action throughout New Jersey, particularly in urban areas, to make sure that quality health care is available to all.
But I have cast no blame on Mr. West personally or on Gov. Corzine or on anyone else for Muhlenberg's problems. In fact, I have been working with the leadership of Solaris Health Systems for years to make sure that Muhlenberg has received special funding from the state, and I am continuing to do that. As a representative of Plainfield and the rest of the 22nd Legislative District, that is my responsibility. And it is also my responsibility to share information with local decision-makers and, to the maximum possible extent, with the community.
Similarly, the Muhlenberg Board of Trustees should be concerned about the community served by its Regional Medical Center, and as chairman of that board, Mr. West has an obligation to act in the community's best interests. As a representative of Muhlenberg on the Solaris Board, he should be doing that also. Certainly, as a Plainfielder, he should be concerned about the impact of the potential closing of Muhlenberg on the entire Plainfield community. And he should not have concealed those plans from the community he is supposed to serve.
Unfortunately, Mr. West seems to have disregarded those obligations. I have learned from members of Gov. Corzine's administration that even before Solaris announced its plans, Mr. West had already agreed -- as a member of the Solaris Board representing Muhlenberg -- to close our medical center. And he did this without telling our citizens or our community's leadership. Perhaps he may have felt that he could not speak to the public as a representative of Muhlenberg or on behalf of the Board of Trustees. But holding such positions does not deprive anyone of the right to free speech -- and if ever a time for communication with the community was needed, it was before the decision was made. I believe Mr. West owes our community an explanation.
I have been attending the marches and rallies held protesting the hospital's planned closing, and I have seen the pain on the faces of employees and listened to their concerns. I have heard the personal stories of citizens whose lives have been saved by the Muhlenberg staff. I know that this community needs its hospital. And it saddens me that Mr. West, as chairman of the Muhlenberg board, has been unwilling to meet with the community or to come to any of the rallies and explain why he agreed to close the hospital. All of those rallies were announced, the public knew about them, and they were well attended.
Members of the Plainfield community and the surrounding areas served by Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center have a right to know the reasons for Solaris' plan to close their hospital, what health care services will remain if that happens, and what will happen to the rest of the Muhlenberg campus. Mr. West, as chairman of the Muhlenberg Board of Trustees, has shown no interest in communicating with the public on these important issues, and this is unconscionable. It's important that we have people on the Muhlenberg board who feel responsible to our community, who will stand up for the needs of our community, and who will tell the truth to our community. Anyone who is not willing to do that should not serve on that Board of Trustees, and that's why I have called for Mr. West's resignation.
There are some people in Plainfield, including Mr. Adrian Mapp and others with their own political agenda, who never miss a chance to point their fingers at Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs and at me whenever any problem comes up. Now that's blame. But Muhlenberg's current crisis is much too important to our community to be used as a political football.
I haven't cast any blame before, and I'm not doing it now. I have called for Mr. West's resignation and replacement because of his indifference to the needs of this community. My concern is accountability.
Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Plainfield, represents the 22nd Legislative District.
StoryChat
Send an email to this email address:
SaveHospital-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
This listserve is sponsored by People's Organization for Progress and citizens who are actively involved in "save Muhlenberg Hospital" campaign.
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 8:11 pm
Jerry Green is once again misleading the public and LYING about what has transpired at Muhlenberg. To say that he is not "blaming" someone and then to go on and bloviate for several paragraphs while continuing to cast blame is ridiculous, and the DESPERATE tactic of a PATHETIC DEMAGOGUE. Mr. Green is the one who should be enlisting the support of his fellow legislators. Thus far, we have not seen in print ONE SINGLE WORD from Linda Stender or Nicholas Scutair, the other 2 legislators for the 22nd District. Do they not care about Plainfield and its population?? What about Jerry working with his colleagues at the state level to make sure they vote against the hospital closing? He is always saying how close he is to the governor, and how much power he holds in Trenton. Well, why don't you use that power to lobby for a hospital in the community where you live, Mr. Green? You talk about accountability--where's YOUR accountability? You sold us down the river with your vote against Abbott recently, and you said that if you knew what was going to happen, you wouldn't have voted that way. Plainfield is tired of your continuous lies and your refusal to do anything to help us. You always vote the way you are told. Why don't you just admit that--you are a puppet for the people who keep you on the line. You say that Muhlenberg should not be used as a "political football" and yet that is precisely how you use it. Many people have recorded your comments, so you are on record as a LIAR.
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:42 am
Jerry Green is once again misleading the public and LYING about what has transpired at Muhlenberg. To say that he is not "blaming" someone and then to go on and bloviate for several paragraphs while continuing to cast blame is ridiculous, and the DESPERATE tactic of a PATHETIC DEMAGOGUE. Mr. Green is the one who should be enlisting the support of his fellow legislators. Thus far, we have not seen in print ONE SINGLE WORD from Linda Stender or Nicholas Scutari, the other 2 legislators for the 22nd District. Do they not care about Plainfield and its population?? What about Jerry working with his colleagues at the state level to make sure they vote against the hospital closing? He is always saying how close he is to the governor, and how much power he holds in Trenton. Well, why don't you use that power to lobby for a hospital in the community where you live, Mr. Green? You talk about accountability--where's YOUR accountability? You sold us down the river with your vote against Abbott recently, and you said that if you knew what was going to happen, you wouldn't have voted that way. Plainfield is tired of your continuous lies and your refusal to do anything to help us. You always vote the way you are told. Why don't you just admit that--you are a puppet for the people who keep you on the line. You say that Muhlenberg should not be used as a "political football" and yet that is precisely how you use it. Many people have recorded your comments, so you are on record as a LIAR.
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:34 am
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Muhlenberg - Courier - 'Buy Muhlenberg' to launch
Published in the Courier News, Saturday, April 19, 2008
Group eyes Muhlenberg
$100M purchase effort launches
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
A grassroots group made up of business leaders, politicians, clergy, community activists and other concerned citizens has launched a "Buy Muhlenberg!" campaign, designed to raise $100 million and halt the announced closure of the acute-care facility.
The fundraising effort will kick off at noon today during the "Hour of Power Prayer Vigil to Save Muhlenberg" at the corner of Randolph Road and Park Avenue in Plainfield.
The group will be selling "shares" at $20 each with the rallying cry: "Everyone can own a piece of their community hospital and have a voice."
In the forefront of the movment is Olive Lynch, an IT compliance consultant in the banking industry who recently filed a petition to run for City Council (to represent the Third Ward) in the Democratic primary in June. She has assumed the role of coordinator.
Lynch says she went to an organizational meeting for the prayer vigil last Monday and was struck by the sense of defeat in the room.
"If another buyer can't be found and if the community doesn't want to lose the hospital, let's buy it," she said. "We have to come up with creative solutions. That's what America is built on. We have to put together a business model and talk to people in the trenches."
Lynch said she has scheduled meetings to put together the medical, legal and professional people needed to sustain the movement.
Today, her group will be looking for signatures on a letter to the State Department of Health and Senior Services, asking Commissioner Heather Howard to halt consideration of the application for closure filed by Solaris Health System, Muhlenberg's parent company, in March. And they'll be selling "Buy Muhlenberg!" T-shirts.
Lynch said she has talked with several "serious investors" and has talked with Cain Brothers, the investment bankers enlisted by Solaris last November in an effort to sell the 130-year-old facility. When no offers were received, Solaris announced the downsizing of the facility in February and filed a certificate of need for closure in March. Last week, letters were sent to Muhlenberg's 1,100 employees, informing them that downsizing could begin on June 16.
Lynch said she spoke with representatives of Pine Creek Capital (an investment group from Nashville, Tenn., specializing in distressed hospital properties) that expressed interest in buying Muhlenberg but was denied due diligence by Solaris.
"Before making a serious offer, they have to look around at what's there," Lynch said. "But Solaris wouldn't disclose anything."
Larry Bashe, an investment banker who lives in Plainfield and works for Raymond James and Associates (of which Pine Creek Capital is a subsidiary) confirmed Lynch's contentions.
"She and others called me and I said I would help," Bashe said. "Solaris stopped us from completing our due diligence. Solaris thought there wasn't enough time to put together a capitalization plan. Pine Creek thought the hospital could survive if we recapitalize. To create a new entity, we would have had to have concessions."
Solaris officials were quick to counter those statements.
"At the time that Pine Creek originally contacted Cain Brothers, they did not provide the name or names of the principals who were going to be part of any offer or contract," said Steven Weiss, a Solaris spokesman. "Because of that, there could be no additional conversation with them with regards to a hospital purchase. We have recently advised them that they are certainly free to speak to Cain Brothers and disclose their principals' experience and finances that meet the criteria for an offer."
Bashe, referring to Commissioner Howard's remarks that Solaris would be strengthened by Muhlenberg's closing, conceded that the campaign is a "a longshot — especially when the state has already said it should be closed."
Lynch says the effort is completely non-partisan.
"People feel disenfranchised," she said. "They are being betrayed by the state. A big non-profit is effectively taking business away from Muhlenberg. It's really disturbing. They are shutting down the hospital as we speak. We are demanding that Solaris stop taking assets out of the hospital."
Solaris officials unequivocally denied Lynch's charges.
"There has been no transfer of assets from Muhlenberg to anywhere else," Weiss said. "Solaris has always directed any party who was interested in purchasing the hospital to speak directly to the investment banking firm (Cain Brothers) that is handling Muhlenberg. Until a buyer provides the investment banking firm with financials and the names of their principals and meets the strict guidelines set down by the state and attorney general for a hospital purchase, Solaris will continue to move forward with our plans to provide health care to our community."
If this effort fails, Lynch says her group has yet another idea.
"If it ends up that Solaris will not sell, we go to the state and ask them to let us open our own hospital," she said. "If we have $100 million in hand and Solaris is going to be a jerk, then we go to the state and demand that we want a hospital in our area. If you're going to allow this entity to close, then allow us to build a hospital of our own."
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Group eyes Muhlenberg
$100M purchase effort launches
By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER
A grassroots group made up of business leaders, politicians, clergy, community activists and other concerned citizens has launched a "Buy Muhlenberg!" campaign, designed to raise $100 million and halt the announced closure of the acute-care facility.
The fundraising effort will kick off at noon today during the "Hour of Power Prayer Vigil to Save Muhlenberg" at the corner of Randolph Road and Park Avenue in Plainfield.
The group will be selling "shares" at $20 each with the rallying cry: "Everyone can own a piece of their community hospital and have a voice."
In the forefront of the movment is Olive Lynch, an IT compliance consultant in the banking industry who recently filed a petition to run for City Council (to represent the Third Ward) in the Democratic primary in June. She has assumed the role of coordinator.
Lynch says she went to an organizational meeting for the prayer vigil last Monday and was struck by the sense of defeat in the room.
"If another buyer can't be found and if the community doesn't want to lose the hospital, let's buy it," she said. "We have to come up with creative solutions. That's what America is built on. We have to put together a business model and talk to people in the trenches."
Lynch said she has scheduled meetings to put together the medical, legal and professional people needed to sustain the movement.
Today, her group will be looking for signatures on a letter to the State Department of Health and Senior Services, asking Commissioner Heather Howard to halt consideration of the application for closure filed by Solaris Health System, Muhlenberg's parent company, in March. And they'll be selling "Buy Muhlenberg!" T-shirts.
Lynch said she has talked with several "serious investors" and has talked with Cain Brothers, the investment bankers enlisted by Solaris last November in an effort to sell the 130-year-old facility. When no offers were received, Solaris announced the downsizing of the facility in February and filed a certificate of need for closure in March. Last week, letters were sent to Muhlenberg's 1,100 employees, informing them that downsizing could begin on June 16.
Lynch said she spoke with representatives of Pine Creek Capital (an investment group from Nashville, Tenn., specializing in distressed hospital properties) that expressed interest in buying Muhlenberg but was denied due diligence by Solaris.
"Before making a serious offer, they have to look around at what's there," Lynch said. "But Solaris wouldn't disclose anything."
Larry Bashe, an investment banker who lives in Plainfield and works for Raymond James and Associates (of which Pine Creek Capital is a subsidiary) confirmed Lynch's contentions.
"She and others called me and I said I would help," Bashe said. "Solaris stopped us from completing our due diligence. Solaris thought there wasn't enough time to put together a capitalization plan. Pine Creek thought the hospital could survive if we recapitalize. To create a new entity, we would have had to have concessions."
Solaris officials were quick to counter those statements.
"At the time that Pine Creek originally contacted Cain Brothers, they did not provide the name or names of the principals who were going to be part of any offer or contract," said Steven Weiss, a Solaris spokesman. "Because of that, there could be no additional conversation with them with regards to a hospital purchase. We have recently advised them that they are certainly free to speak to Cain Brothers and disclose their principals' experience and finances that meet the criteria for an offer."
Bashe, referring to Commissioner Howard's remarks that Solaris would be strengthened by Muhlenberg's closing, conceded that the campaign is a "a longshot — especially when the state has already said it should be closed."
Lynch says the effort is completely non-partisan.
"People feel disenfranchised," she said. "They are being betrayed by the state. A big non-profit is effectively taking business away from Muhlenberg. It's really disturbing. They are shutting down the hospital as we speak. We are demanding that Solaris stop taking assets out of the hospital."
Solaris officials unequivocally denied Lynch's charges.
"There has been no transfer of assets from Muhlenberg to anywhere else," Weiss said. "Solaris has always directed any party who was interested in purchasing the hospital to speak directly to the investment banking firm (Cain Brothers) that is handling Muhlenberg. Until a buyer provides the investment banking firm with financials and the names of their principals and meets the strict guidelines set down by the state and attorney general for a hospital purchase, Solaris will continue to move forward with our plans to provide health care to our community."
If this effort fails, Lynch says her group has yet another idea.
"If it ends up that Solaris will not sell, we go to the state and ask them to let us open our own hospital," she said. "If we have $100 million in hand and Solaris is going to be a jerk, then we go to the state and demand that we want a hospital in our area. If you're going to allow this entity to close, then allow us to build a hospital of our own."
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Solaris - Compensation - John McGee (2006)
Solaris Health System's 2006 Form 990 report to the IRS, show the following compensation for CEO John McGee ($650,000+, broken into segments) --
(Click on image to enlarge, will print on letter-size paper, horizontal setting.)
(Click on image to enlarge, will print on letter-size paper, horizontal setting.)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Hospitals - Ledger - Report on hospital closings
Finances focus of hospital report
State trying to devise way to aid most 'viable'
Friday, January 04, 2008
BY SUE LIVIO AND ANGELA STEWART
Star-Ledger Staff New Jersey's hospitals "are truly in poor financial health," says a long-anticipated state report, which recommends setting up a "distress fund" to provide money to only the most viable and necessary institutions.
The final report of the Commission on Rationalizing Health Care Resources, of which a draft copy was obtained yesterday by The Star-Ledger, points to a glut of hospital beds in Bergen, Essex, Passaic and Hudson counties as the major reason for the poor economic performance of several hospitals in that area of the state.
It identifies two markets with the highest concentration of hospitals lagging the statewide average when it comes to financial viability: the Hackensack/Ridgewood/Paterson area, with 15 hospitals, and Newark/Jersey City, with 16 hospitals.
"An oversupply of beds may be one cause of the financial distress," states the report, dated Dec. 10.
Financial pressures have already led to closings or bankruptcy declarations in that region, and the report warns of more to come.
"Based on the current financial picture, the residents of New Jersey should expect a wave of additional hospitals that will face potential closure in the next few years," the report said.
The 200-page report, which was supposed to be released last year, does not make recommendations on which of the state's 79 acute-care hospitals should be closed, but lays out criteria officials should use in determining which are "essential" and "viable" and deserving of financial support.
Those factors include whether the hospital serves a "vulnerable" population -- such as uninsured and poor patients -- and whether critical services such as trauma care are offered, the report said.
A hospital's overall financial health -- including its profitability, cash on hand and long-term debt to capitalization ratio -- should also be a consideration, the commission said.
Gov. Jon Corzine is expected to use the report to decide which hospitals will get a bigger chunk of the roughly $700 million the state spends each year to treat uninsured patients. The report also is expected to be used to sort out the myriad requests that come from legislators and hospital officials who frequently seek the state's help in bailing out failing hospitals.
The report became a point of contention during yesterday's confirmation hearing of Corzine's nominee for state health commissioner, Heather Howard. Several legislators questioned Howard as to whether the report's release had been held up until after she was approved for the state's top health job.
Howard said yesterday the final version of the report is due out later this month. The 13-member commission -- whose members include economic and health-policy experts, as well as physicians -- was created by Corzine in 2006 with an eye to improving health-care delivery in the state.
Lilo Stainton, a Corzine spokeswoman, yesterday described the report as a work in progress, addressing "an important issue we have been looking at for a long time."
"But a draft is a draft -- the governor hasn't seen it," she said, declining to comment further.
The extra aid the report proposes be targeted to "essential" hospitals would be largely in the form of supplemental Medicaid and charity-care payments. It also wants a separate Distressed Hospital Program to provide aid to those hospitals, with the money to come from an increase in taxes -- from 2.9 percent to 4.5 percent -- on privately run ambulatory care facilities, according to the report.
Future state aid should come with strings attached, the report said, including state oversight and requirements to improve board governance.
Elizabeth Ryan, the incoming president and chief executive of the New Jersey Hospital Association, said while she has not yet seen the report, her members were anxiously awaiting "a game plan" to help alleviate the distress they are experiencing.
"It would be my hope that when they talk about distress funding, they would be talking about new money and not just simply redistributing the (current) money," she said.
About half of the state's acute-care hospitals are operating in the red, and roughly 25 have closed since 1992, according to association officials. Among the latest are Union Hospital, which shut its doors Sept. 30, and Pascack Valley Hospital in suburban Westwood in Bergen County, which closed last month.
Others, such as Bayonne, Barnert in Paterson, Greenville in Jersey City and Saint James and Columbus, both in Newark, are hanging by a thread.
The downward trend in the finances of New Jersey hospitals, the report notes, comes at a time when hospitals nationwide are doing exceptionally well.
"This points to some fundamental problems in the hospital market in New Jersey that must be remedied if hospitals are to regain their footing," the report concludes.
Sue Livio may be reached at slivio@starledger.com or (609) 989-0802; Angela Stewart may be reached at astewart@starledger.com or (973) 392-4178.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
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