Corzine's hospital funding cuts

Gov. Corzine addressed a meeting of New Jersey's hospital administrators yesterday, as reported in both the Courier and Ledger this morning.

Check out Dan Damon's take on the matter over at Plainfield Today.

Read more here: "Corzine on hospitals: More mush from the wimp"

O'Hara's Muhlenberg support is front-page news

The Courier News has a big page-one story on last night's Muhlenberg rally at Hub-Stine Field that featured the NY Giants' Shaun O'Hara.

Read more here: "Giants' Shaun O'Hara joins supporters at rally against Muhlenberg closure".

The Ledger also featured a couple of nice photos on the front page of the Union County section. You'll have to pick up a paper to enjoy them, they're not online.

Muhlenberg closing: Town-by-town impact

Town-by-town impact of closing Muhlenberg.

The chart above and the following document was forwarded to me by a Muhlenberg supporter. The original document was prepared by a staff member of the United Way of Greater Union County. -- Dan Damon

Muhlenberg Hospital Closing: Geographic Impact

Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center is the primary hospital or nearest full-service medical facility for individuals in 13 municipalities of three New Jersey counties; Union, Middlesex and Somerset. Over 150,000 tri-county area residents live closer to Muhlenberg than any other hospital.

Other medical centers serving the area include Overlook Hospital in Summit, Robert Wood Johnson-Rahway Hospital in Rahway, JFKMedical Center in Edison, Robert Wood Johnson and St. Peters hospitals in New Brunswick, and Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. For those in Plainfield, North Plainfield, Dunellen and Fanwood, Muhlenberg is the hospital in closest proximity. A Muhlenberg closing would have the strongest impact on the aforementioned communities, particularly Plainfield’s West End (that would be about seven miles to the next nearest hospital).

More than three quarters of Scotch Plains residents are closest to Muhlenberg. For residents of South Plainfield, Green Brook and Watchung, about 60 percent of the population consider Muhlenberg to be closest. Nearly a third of Westfield and Warren residents are closer to Muhlenberg. Less than a quarter of Middlesex (boro) and Piscataway residents are in closer proximity to Muhlenberg. And, residents of the Northwest section of Edison are closer to Muhlenberg than JFK. (Refer to Table A for a list of impacted individuals and towns)

Conclusion

There are approximately 153,000 residents of the tri-county area who would be primarily impacted by the closure of Muhlenberg, the closest hospital to their residence. Countless others from central and northern New Jersey may also be impacted as Muhlenberg could be their first choice due to its specialty in particular areas or because their doctor, caretaker, family or other connections are in the Plainfield area.

When Muhlenberg closes, JFK would become the closest hospital for about 84,000 more residents. Robert Wood Johnson-Rahway Hospital would need to handle an additional population of 23,000. Overlook and Somerset would also need to provide for 15,000 additional residents and the two New Brunswick hospitals would serve an additional population of 10,000.

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Another -- new -- buyer for Muhlenberg?

Someone from another part of the country who has been following the Muhlenberg saga via the Plainfield Today and Save Muhlenberg blogs, contacted Dan Damon yesterday to express interest in buying Muhlenberg.

This person is connected to a group that already has purchased and operates a group of hospitals in another state. The group is seeking to expand, and is interested in Muhlenberg.

Dan forwarded their contact information to an elected official, who reported yesterday afternoon that they had spoken with the interested party.

Could there be a bidding war for the hospital that Solaris said no one was interested in?

Stay tuned.

Muhlenberg - Certificate of Need Application - full document

Thanks to a Muhlenberg supporter, the Certificate of Need Application is now available online. The very large document has been published in three parts -- follow the links below.

Note that you are able to print it out and/or save it to your hard drive as a PDF file. Just follow the instructions on the web page.

CERTIFICATE OF NEED APPLICATION

Part One is HERE.

This is the introductory matter and general narrative.

Part Two is HERE.

This section finished the general narrative and contains 'Exhibits', including the Audited Financials and info on the hospital's long-term debt.

Part Three is HERE.

This section of appendices contains maps and data of the Muhlenberg service area as well as an analysis of patient data over a period of years.

Tonight's Rally: Statewide notice on Blue Jersey

Tonight's rally at Hub-Stine got a big boost from a post on BlueJersey, the state's progressive political blog.

Read more here: "NY Giants stars join 'Save Muhlenberg' campaign".

What's the rush, Solaris?

Over at Plainfield Today, Dan Damon asks what's the rush with Solaris not letting Pine Creek Capital, a potential buyer for Muhlenberg, take the time necessary to do due diligence.

Read more here: "Solaris rushing to head off buyer?"

Courier: O'Hara and Muhlenberg backers rally Tuesday

Today's Courier News has a front-page story on Shaun O'Hara and Tuesday's rally in support of Muhlenberg.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg backers ready to rally" and more about Shaun O'Hara's community activism here: "O'Hara no stranger to helping".

Local officials should act on Muhlenberg's behalf

Dr. Harold Yood, lifelong Plainfield resident, physician and all-round wise man, has a letter in today's Courier News with important points of support local officials could offer -- but have not yet -- in support of Muhlenberg.

He rightly points out that the State and Solaris are contemplating closing a 'high-grade institution [Muhlenberg] to favor one in an affluent community.'

Read more here: "Local elected officials should act on Muhlenberg’s behalf"

You will also find much enjoyable and illuminating information at Dr. Yood's blog "Doc's Potpourri".

Giants Shaun O'Hara, Super Bowl champ, to speak at Tuesday rally

New York Giants center and team captain, Super Bowl Champion and 2006 Sports Illustrated Man of the Year Shaun O'Hara will appear at a "Pep Rally to Save Muhlenberg Hospital" on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 6:00 p.m. at Hub Stine Field.

O'Hara is coming to the rally to give his support to community efforts to keep the vital urban acute care hospital from closing. Area residents want Muhlenberg to remain open as a full service hospital.

Since the announcement of the planned closure of Muhlenberg by its corporate parent, Solaris Health System, there has been a groundswell of opposition to the shutdown of the hospital which serves 35,000 patients a year.

O'Hara's appearance is being facilitated by Dr. Brian Fertig, a physician at Muhlenberg, who supports the cause of keeping the 131 year-old hospital open. Dr. Fertig has treated O'Hara's father as a patient.

Fertig's father established the coronary care unit at the hospital as well as the cardiac cath unit, rated number one for angioplasty in New Jersey.

O'Hara's background also helps to explain his interest in this issue. He is a New Jersey resident and was a local gridiron hero as a student in this state. He played football for Hillsborough High School and Rutgers University.

Shaun O'Hara hails from Hillsborough.

The event is being co-sponsored and supported by a tri-county coalition of individuals and groups including the Plainfield Branch of the People's Organization For Progress which has held weekly meetings and six demonstrations, including a rally at the State House in Trenton, to protest the closing of the hospital. Also included is the 'Buy Muhlenberg' committee which is spearheading an effort to purchase the hospital.

In addition to remarks by Shaun O'Hara, the event will include musical selections and presentations by local elected officials, religious leaders, community activists, and other dignitaries.

'SAVE MUHLENBERG' RALLY Tuesday, April 29 6:00 PM Hub Stine Field Randolph Road, across from Muhlenberg

How you can review Solaris' application for a 'Certificate of Need'

Over at Plainfield Today, Dan Damon posts info on checking out Solaris' application for a Certificate of Need.

See more here: "Muhlenberg: Certificate of Need App at Library".

A letter on letting-go: A grateful farewell

A grateful 76-year-old Marilyn Burns of Plainfield writes movingly in today's Courier of her experiences with Muhlenberg (nine babies born, plus much else) and her daughter as a nursing graduate, plus more.

Read more here: "A grateful farewell to ‘Ma’berg’s years of caretaking"

Corporate bottom line at heart of closing Muhlenberg

Leanna Marie Dunk of Middlesex has a right-on letter in today's Courier about Solaris looking out for JFK in the closure of Muhlenberg.

Read more here: "Corporate bottom line is at heart of Muhlenberg decision".

Solaris CEO on hot seat at Plainfield Council presentation

Solaris CEO John McGee was on the hot seat at Monday evening's City Council presentation, according to a story by Alexi Friedman in today's Ledger.

Councilor Cory Storch's questioning brought out another fact not previously disclosed -- that the commitment by Solaris to keep a satellite ER open at Muhlenberg is for THREE YEARS, after which it will be re-evaluated.

Read more here: "McGee on hot seat at City Council presentation".

Muhlenberg: Sports figures to come out in support

Shaun O'Hara is expected at rally.

Dr. Brian Fertig's efforts to organize a rally in support of Muhlenberg featuring pro sports figures merits a front-page story in today's Courier.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg gets "Giant" support".

Muhlenberg: What might Solaris really be up to?

Meanwhile, over at Plainfield Today, Dan Damon wonders what John McGee is really up to and whether the desert's mighty Saguaro cactus might offer some insight.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg: A lesson from the mighty Saguaro?"

Solaris CEO on Muhlenberg: We're broke!

Solaris CEO John McGee made a presentation to a packed City Council meeting last night, as reported in today's Courier front-page story.

Read more here: "McGee: Hospital funds gone"

OpEd: Hospitals are closing all over NJ

The Courier has finally put up the OpEd piece from Sunday's paper (4/20/2008) by Ron West, president of the Muhlenberg board, about the threat of hospital closures statewide.

Read more here: "Hospitals are in danger all over state".

Courier: Editorial on closing Muhlenberg

Over at Plainfield Today, Dan Damon takes a look at the good editorial in today's Courier, pointing out, however, that there is an elephant in the room that the state and Solaris prefer not to talk about -- see more here: "Editorial on Muhlenberg misses 'elephant in room'"

Courier: Muhlenberg satellite emergency room outlined

Monday's Courier News has a front-page story outlining the changes that having a satellite emergency room will bring.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg plans satellite emergency room".

While the impact of additional travel time and distances is mentioned in regard to the North Plainfield EMTs, there is no mention of the Plainfield Rescue Squad -- or mention of the impact that rising fuel prices are going to have on ambulance squads. With prices expected to top $4.00/gallon by summer, a doubling of the miles-to-hospital has potentially serious, if not catastrophic, implications for rescue squads.

Courier/Ledger: Hundreds aim to save Muhlenberg

Sunday's Courier News has a page-one story covering yesterday's 'Hour of Power' vigil and launch of the 'Buy Muhlenberg' campaign. Read more here: "'Hour of Power': Hundreds aim to save Muhlenberg".

The Ledger also runs a story. See more here: "Residents launch plan to purchase hospital".

Courier: 'Buy Muhlenberg' effort launches

The Courier's front-page article from Saturday on the launch of the 'Buy Muhlenberg' campaign finally came up online later in the morning. Read more here: "Group eyes Muhlenberg;
$100M purchase effort launches".

'Buy Muhlenberg' campaign launches

Today's Courier has a front-page story on the effort being championed by resident Olive Lynch to marshal efforts to buy Muhlenberg from Solaris Health System.

Unfortunately, the story is NOT online. If it comes up later, I will put a link.

People attending the candidate meet-and-greet brunch for Annie McWilliams and Adrian Mapp (at the YWCA, East Front & Church Streets, 10 AM this morning) will be coming out for the Noon 'Save Muhlenberg' rally.

-- Dan Damon

Assemblyan Green's OpEd attacking Muhlenberg board prez

Assemblyman Green's long piece in the Courier today is reviewed by Dan Damon at Plainfield Today. See more here: "Assemblyman Green attacks Muhlenberg board prez -- again."

Also, see more Muhlenberg stories on 'buying' the hospital, and Dr. Harold Yood's reflections on the closure issue at CLIPS, here.

Hearing date set by state

The date for the state's public hearing into the proposed closing of Muhlenberg has been set, and a story in today's Courier covers some of the details. Read more here: "Hearing on Muhlenberg closure May 6".

Some readers may disagree with the assertion that NO OFFERS TO BUY THE HOSPITAL have been received.

'Hour of Power' Vigil Saturday at Noon

'Hour of Power' Vigil

Saturday, April 19
Noon
Park Avenue & Randolph Road

McGee presentation to City Council: An opportunity for friends of MRMC

Wednesday's Star-Ledger reports that Solaris CEO John McGee will make a formal presentation to the Plainfield City Council next Monday about the proposal to close Muhlenberg.

Members of the 'Save Muhlenberg' coalition can draw some satisfaction from the fact that their complaints about City Council inactivity in the face of the proposed closure have led to the invitation for McGee to present.

According to the newspaper, McGee will have 30 minutes to present and the Council 30 minutes for questions. The public is not being allowed to participate in the discussion, which does not mean that supporters could not rally on the sidewalk outside or pass out informational leaflets as people come to the Council meeting.

Read more here: "CEO to talk about plan for closing Muhlenberg"

Letter: Supporters must step up to help Muhlenberg

Joan Wegner, RN, a graduate of Muhlenberg's School of Nursing and 30-year-plus practitioner, writes a letter of support in today's Courier. Read more here: "Supporters must step up to help save Muhlenberg".

Muhlenberg property: Why was it subdivided?

Dan Damon, writing at Plainfield Today, looks at the subdivision of Muhlenberg's property into three separate parcels and what that suggests about the future of the hospital. See more here: "Muhlenberg Property: Solaris subdividing the spoils?".

Letter: City beset by adversity deserves to keep Muhlenberg

Plainfielder and Muhlenberg supporter Joe Bonini has an important letter in today's Courier News. Read more here: "City already beset by adversity deserves to keep Muhlenberg".

Courier: Clergy mobilize to save Muhlenberg

Sunday's Courier News features a front-page story on area religious leaders mobilizing in defense of Muhlenberg. See more here: "Clergy band together to help save Muhlenberg".

Bishop George Benbow of Christian Fellowship Gospel Church says it all: "We are very much engaged ... It has been left to the community to save itself.

Ledger: Muhlenberg puts workers on notice

Sunday's Star-Ledger runs a story on the layoff notices to Muhlenberg employees. See more here: "Muhlenberg puts workers on notice".

Courier: Workers get WARN letters

Saturday's Courier News carries a front-page story on the WARN letters that have gone out to employees. See more here: "Staff told downsizing can start after June 15".

But of course you read that on Plainfield Today yesterday HERE.

Muhlenber could close Father's Day

In a breaking news post, Dan Damon blogs at Plainfield Today that Solaris plans include possibly closing Muhlenberg as early as Father's Day, June 15. See more here: "Muhlenberg could close as early as Father's Day".

Letter: Muhlenberg's exceptional care must continue

Gail Schmeisser of North Plainfield has a letter in today's Courier News. See more here: "Muhlenberg's exceptional quality of care must continue".

Heather Howard tips the state's hand on Muhlenberg

Dan Damon posts his take on Heather Howard's testimony to the Senate Budget committee yesterday that closing Muhlenberg would help JFK. See more here: "Muhlenberg: Heather Howard tips state's hand"

Letter: Closing puts residents at risk

Plainfield resident Edna Wilks has a letter in today's Courier News. See more here: "Hospital's closing puts residents' health at risk"

Letter: Closure a death sentence to residents

Plainfielder Robert Buck has a letter of support in today's Courier News. See more here: "Closing Muhlenberg a death sentence to nearby residents".

Courier: Assemblyman calls for chairman's resignation

In a front-page story in Tuesday's Courier, Assemblyman Jerry Green attacks Muhlenberg's board president and calls for his replacement. See more here: "Assemblyman Green attacks Muhlenberg board president".

Ledger: Trenton Rally coverage

Here are links to the Star-Ledger's coverage of Saturday's rally in Trenton.

First, the breaking news blog, where you will find a photo: "400 gather in Trenton to protest planned closing of hospital".

And the version that appeared in Sunday's print edition, which you will find here: "Hospital saved them; they try to return favor".

Letter: Call for supporters

A letter in Saturday's Courier in support of the rally; unfortunately it was not online until too late to announce for the rally. By resident Vera Harrell. Read more here: "A call for supporters to keep Muhlenberg's patients safe".

Trenton Rally Today

TRENTON RALLY
TODAY
NOON
STATEHOUSE

FREE buses leave parking lot at Randolph Road and Park Avenue, 10:00 AM sharp. First-come, first-serve.

Gannett: Corzine defends hospital funding cuts

Friday's Gannett newspapers carry a story on Gov. Jon Corzine's defense of his hospital funding cuts in the proposed budget. Read more here: "Corzine defends hospital cuts".

Note he says he aims to ensure money remaining goes to "facilities serving large shares of uninsured patients."

And what, precisely, is the problem at Muhlenberg???

Councilor Davis proposes meeting of area elected officials

Plainfield Councilman Don Davis has written elected officials in the area, proposing a meeting with Gov. Corzine and the Solaris board regarding the proposal to close Muhlenberg. Read more here: "Communities coming together for Muhlenberg rally".

Courier: Muhlenberg mission moves to Trenton

The Courier ran a story in Thursday's edition's on the Saturday rally in Trenton. Read full story here: "Muhlenberg mission moves to Trenton".

Reserve your bus seat for the Trenton Rally

Save Muhlenberg

RALLY

Saturday, April 5
Noon

Statehouse, Trenton

Ten buses are planned for the Trenton Rally, at which a number of people are expected to speak -- including Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, attorney, Plainfield native and former Plainfield City Councilor.

Attendees will be able to ride to and from the rally at no cost, thanks to underwriting by doctors from Muhlenberg. But you must reserve a seat -- call one of the bus captains listed at the bottom of this post.

Buses will leave from the Muhlenberg parking lot at Randolph Road and Park Avenue. 10:00 AM SHARP!

To reserve your seat on one of the buses, call a bus captain, listed below --

• Tony: (908) 251-0693
• Annie Stocks: (908) 769-4147
• Ready to Be Free Ministries, Terri Briggs: (908) 463-2946

Solaris & community leaders: The complete story

Yesterday's Courier omitted the final section of the print story on the Solaris meeting with community leaders in its online version. Here is the complete story, including the missing section at the end.

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Published in the Courier News, Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Solaris, leaders talk about hospital closing

By CLEM FIORENTINO
STAFF WRITER

PLAINFIELD — Solaris Health System on Tuesday opened to community leaders for a free-wheeling discussion of issues stemming from the announced closing of the acute-care facility at Muhlenberg Medical Center.

Solaris in February announced its intent to close the facility by the end of the summer, citing overwhelming financial losses, such as an estimated $17 million in 2007. A satellite emergency room would remain at the Muhlenberg campus, along with its school of nursing and imaging center. About 1,000 jobs would be eliminated although Solaris hopes to retain about one-third of them at other Solaris locationS.

Tom Casey, vice president of public relations and marketing for Solaris, said representatives were in the Muhlenberg board room to help the community "better understand the dire economic circumstances that are forcing the closure of Muhlenberg, as well as to discuss any questions or concerns you may have on behalf of your constituency."

Representatives from the Plainfield Health Center; Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs; Jim Uffer, president of the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce; numerous local clergy and social service agency administrators; and Lawrence Hamm, chairman of the People's Organization for Progress, attended the meeting.

Upon learning of the meeting, People's Organization for Progress organized a rally outside the medical center while the meeting was in progress.

About 70 protesters stood at the corner of Park Avenue and Randolph Street presenting their four-part agenda:

• They want Muhlenberg to stay open as a full-service hospital.
  
  
• They want an immediate halt to the transfer of services and departments to other hospitals.
  
  
• They want the status quo maintained until the process of the Certificate of Need for closure is completed.
  
  
• They want Muhlenberg to adhere to the process required by the Commission on Health and Senior Services, including a total community needs assessment before the hospital is closed.

"This is the first time in my life I asked for the maintenance of the status quo," Hamm said.

Online story here.

(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)

(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)

Courier: Solaris, leaders talk about closing

The Courier reports this morning on yesterday's meeting by Solaris Health Systems with 'community represenatives'. Read more here: "Solaris, leaders talk about hospital closing"

Ledger: Closing of medical center spurs rally

The Ledger's coverage of Tuesday's rally for Muhlenberg is here: "Closing of medical center spurs rally"

Letter: Closing Muhlenberg greater tragedy than '67 riot

Letter in today's Courier News from Jane Fargo of Edison. See more here: "Closing Muhlenberg a greater tragedy even than '67 riots".

Ledger: Muhlenberg rally today

Today's Ledger has a story on this afternoon's rally to save Muhlenberg. See more here: "Rally to protest closing of hospital".