The union that represents healthcare workers at the Height University Hospital in Jersey City is alleging that their employer engaged in improper layoffs and warns that a closure may still happen.
“Never have we seen an employer act so recklessly with such a serious matter. The community that utilizes Heights hospital deserves to know that there is a plan for accessing medical care,” Health Professionals and Allied Employees President Debbie White said in a statement.
“Healthcare services are being reduced, and workers are losing their jobs. Yet they did not negotiate the terms of the layoffs with their unions nor did they properly notify the NJ Department of Labor or the NJ Department of Health before moving forward.”
Earlier this week, HPAE held membership meetings with workers where 80 employees informed the union that they may be terminated.
The union invited NJDOL to send a representative who spoke to workers about benefits that are available and how to apply, according to White.
The following day NJDOL representatives informed HRH that they are required to notify NJDOL when more than 50 employees are terminated and that they must take steps to do so.
“Many healthcare workers, who provide essential medical care, were simply told verbally that their departments were closed or that they no longer needed to report to work, without written notification of date of separation or severance amount,” she added.
“Less than six months ago HRH committed, in bankruptcy court, to having sufficient funds to acquire and successfully operate the then-bankrupt CarePoint system, including Christ Hospital. Now they have reduced services, putting patients, workers and other hospitals at risk.”
In addition to contacting NJDOL, HPAE has urged the NJDO to require a full Certificate of Need review of any reduction in services or closure of the hospital to ensure it is done so in a manner that is in the best interests of the public.
The NJDOH requested this in an October 17th letter responding to an October 14th staged hospital closure application submitted by HRH, public documents show.
The union highlighted several incidents from late last week that may have placed additional strain on other hospitals and put patients at risk.
“HRH continues to make assurances and yet their actions tell a different story. We call on state officials and regulators to act now: hold HRH accountable, demand full transparency, and ensure there is a thorough public review before any major changes are implemented. The health and well-being of our community is at stake,” White said.
“HRH’s plan to convert hospital land into luxury condos raises serious doubts about their true intentions and suggests they are being disingenuous about any real commitment to Heights University Hospital.”
The union has also previously noted that while HRH says they have invested $300 million into the former CarePoint Health hospitals, at least $110 million was via a loan that will eventually have to be paid back.
They did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday regarding the latest concerns expressed by the HPAE.
Earlier today, HRH CEO Dr. Nizar Kifaieh requested an additional $18 million from the state as part of their stabilization plan, indicating that they would need an answer by November 10th and may have to close without additional state aid, as HCV first reported.