In an editorial, Jersey City mayoral candidate Jim McGreevey explains why Christ Hospital must “get its act together” and return to providing critical care to the communities they serve.
Founded in 1872 by clergy members dedicated to providing healthcare for all, Christ Hospital in Jersey City has served a critical role for generations as an essential healthcare resource for residents in Jersey City and across Hudson County.
The hospital has combatted epidemics and pandemics, from influenza to COVID-19, and helped ensure that the diverse members of our community receive the care they need to thrive.
Unfortunately, Christ Hospital has suffered in recent years from fiscal management that has risked its continued viability.
Indeed, in early November 2024, it became public that CarePoint Health, which operated Christ Hospital, had filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Around the same time, it was announced that CarePoint’s Board approved an agreement with Hudson Regional Hospital to allow it to exercise exclusive options to acquire Christ Hospital in Jersey City and affiliated properties in Hoboken and Bayonne and to establish a “Hudson Health System.”
Since then, Christ Hospital’s leadership has said that the hospital needs to be “rightsized,” which may mean reducing beds and staff.
This series of events raises serious concerns about Christ Hospital’s future.
Ultimately, leaders of Christ Hospital and Hudson Regional Hospital must understand that Jersey City’s residents expect and rightfully demand that Christ Hospital in Jersey City get its act together and return to providing critical care for the wellness of this community.
The reliance of Christ Hospital personnel upon the representations of the Hospital Administration as to wages, personal time, and benefits ought to be honored as a matter of principle.
Attempts to further undermine Christ Hospital’s healthcare functions or to potentially convert the property to uses other than hospital, medical, and long-term palliative care are inconsistent with the needs of Jersey City residents.
As Mayor of Jersey City, I will take action to make it clear that it is in the interest of all residents of Jersey City that Christ Hospital remain a fully functioning hospital providing healthcare to our residents for generations to come, as it has in the past.