Valley , Englewood start new challenge to HUMC North hospital opening
Thursday, October 4, 2012
BY STEPHANIE NODA
STAFF WRITER
Northern Valley Suburbanite
ENGLEWOOD — Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and Valley Hospital of Ridgewood continued efforts to block the opening of HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley at a recent Appellate Division of Superior Court meeting on Sept. 23, saying the county is already well served by existing non-profit hospitals.
“Amidst ongoing challenges of healthcare reform, declining patient admissions, reduced hospital reimbursement, a tough economy, and low population growth in Bergen County, a new acute-care hospital is unnecessary and wrong for the healthcare system in Bergen County,” said Maria Margiotta, director of Marketing and Communication for Englewood Hospital, in a statement.
A certification of need – a state law that decides whether there is an inherent need for a health care facility – was approved for the new Westwood-based hospital by Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary O’Dowd on Feb. 27. The Westwood location will act as a satellite facility for Hackensack University and Medical Center and have 128 beds.
Ever since the certification of need was approved by O’Dowd in February, Hackensack Hospital has been diligently preparing for the reopening of the hospital, which is scheduled for the second quarter of 2013, said Chad Melton, CEO of HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley, in a statement.
“The overwhelming majority of area residents are very supportive and welcome the improved access to essential healthcare services it will provide,” said Melton. “We are continuing to work closely with the communities in the Pascack Valley and Northern Valley to ensure that much needed access to healthcare returns to this region.”
For once, I wish Valley and Englewood Hospitals would just think about the people of Westwood and the surrounding towns as to what they want and need. Stop being so greedy. I for one, can’t wait for opening of the Westwood hospital.
Good thing they are not paying taxes to Ridgewood…
It helps them fund these legal actions
The Englewpood-Valley challenge is all about non profit corporate greed. Give the people of the Pascack and Northern Valley a break, please.
This is old news.