Heights University Hospital in Jersey City — formerly known as Christ Hospital — says it will suspend nonessential services unless it receives what CEO Nizar Kifaieh calls “substantial financial support” from the state within the next 30 days.
Hudson Regional Health took over the bankrupt CarePoint health system earlier this year. Kifaieh said in a statement that despite a $300 million investment across its network — much of it at Heights — “the facility is unable to avoid continued financial distress. The anticipated losses of over $60 million per year at Heights University Hospital, without public support, is simply unsustainable to maintain.”
As first reported by the Hudson County View, Hudson Regional Health says without state funding, the board has authorized a system-wide restructuring that includes winding down services at Heights University Hospital.
Union leaders say the move contradicts promises Hudson Regional Health made during the takeover. HPAE, the nurses union, is calling out a lack of transparency, saying the announcement is “disgraceful and shows a complete disregard of the workers or the people of Hudson County.”
They warn staff layoffs and reduced services could hit the community hard with no clear plan in place. The state Department of Health hasn’t announced next steps.
The newly formed Hudson Regional Health system also includes Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus, Hoboken University Hospital and Bayonne University Hospital. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Bayonne less than two weeks ago to formally celebrate the restructuring.
