Hudson Regional Hospital says they’ve made an offer for CarePoint Health’s three facilities in Bayonne, Hoboken, and Jersey City, but no one seems sure of what’s next after both entities announced markedly different next steps earlier today.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We have a pending offer to purchase three hospital operations, which are separately owned, from CarePoint, their current operator, including Christ Hospital in Jersey City, fulfilling our vision for a premier healthcare network on Hudson County,” HRH President and CEO Dr. Nizar Kifaieh said this afternoon.
“This transaction resolves the most complex of the issues confronting us as we move toward unifying the property ownership with the healthcare operations, providing our community with the stability and quality it deserves under a true community hospital model.”
Kifaieh’s reveal comes during a tumultuous day where CarePoint initially touted a new deal that would allow the Bayonne Medical Center to be purchased by a new provider simply known as BMC Hospital.
However, just minutes later, HRH announced a blockbuster $220 million land purchase that would allow them to purchase the BMC and Hoboken University Medical Center property from Avery Eisenreich: the Alaris Health owner currently embroiled in litigation with CarePoint.
He is also a 25 percent land and stake owner for Christ Hospital.
In a joint statement, CarePoint and BMC Hospital pushed back against the notion that HRH had acquired, or would be acquiring, the pivotal real estate that has become a sticking point negotiations to sell their facilities.
“On the one hand Hudson Regional states that it has an agreement to purchase the real estate and, on the other hand, it claims that it already purchased the real estate. No one has seen the purchase and sale agreement or any notice concerning the transfer of title,” they said.
“In addition, CarePoint has significant claims pending against Avery Eisenreich, Alaris Health and other entities controlled by Mr. Eisenreich that challenge Mr. Eisenreich’s right to purchase the real estate at issue. We simply do not see how Hudson Regional can agree to purchase or purchase the real estate with these significant claims that will be tried this summer.”
Furthermore, they indicated that both parties, CarePoint and the BMC Hospital, signed a contract and have submitted an application to the New Jersey Department of Health to approve the transfer.
They also said they plan on keeping Dr. Vijay Singh as their chief executive, along with other key management members.
Finally, they declined to confirm or deny is HRH had made an offer for their three hospitals.
Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, who earlier today voiced support for the CarePoint deal with BMC Hospital, indicated that the Hudson County Improvement Authority will continue the process of eminent domain – as well as that officials will seek guidance from the NJ DOH.
“The growing chaos created by squabbling owners makes it clear that we must proceed on our path to secure the future of these critical facilities for the residents of Hudson County,” DeGise said this afternoon, noting that he’d spoken to Mayors Steven Fulop, Ravi Bhalla, and Jimmy Davis.
“In addition to encouraging the Hudson County Improvement Authority to continue its due diligence, we will be calling on the New Jersey State Department of Health to take immediate action to force accountability and transparency on all involved.”
Last month, the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the use of eminent domain on those parcels of land.
Nevertheless, Kifaieh still sounds confident that the HRH deal will hold up.
“These were difficult, complex negotiations that took place over several months and we are very gratified by our Chairman Yan Moshe’s commitment to complete the transaction. Our mission has always been to build a world class healthcare system in Hudson County and this brings us closer to it.”
