RESTORE MUHLENBERG

Letter: How the governor can really help

2008-12-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Star-Ledger (12/07/2008) ran the following letter from the Muhlenberg Independents (which they signed only with Jim Colvin's name and as pastor of the United Church of Christ-Congregational. The letter did not appear in the online edition.

Below is the full text of the original letter, as submitted by Jim, Sarah, Deborah and Nancy.

How the governor can really help

Gov. Corzine apparently decided to visit our community of Plainfield on November 18th but did not bother to tell anyone. Did he, or his buddy, Assemblyman Jerry Green, also in the picture, simply phone the newspapers for a photo op in an attempt to make it appear as though the governor actually cares about poor people? Why were no Plainfield Schools, churches, clergy or civic groups invited to this most unusual appearance of the governor, who has steadfastly avoided Plainfield ever since he decided to close Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center?

The picture shows the governor packing food baskets, but not actually interacting with any hungry people. It is odd that Gov. Corzine would be interested in the needy ones of Plainfield, since he was good enough to close our hospital and eliminate 1100 jobs. His action indeed created many more hungry and unemployed people here and in the region.

There is no way to estimate the suffering that he has wrought here. The Governor showing up in a a community pretending to care about the well-being of the people is quite cavalier. The "let them eat cake" attitude shows forth in the photo.

Governor, if you really intend to help the needy in Plainfield, then re-open the hospital as an acute care facility and restore 1100 jobs. In the meantime, please refrain from trying to appear as though you care.

The Muhlenberg Independents,
Rev. James Colvin
Rev. Sarah Colvin
Deborah Dowe
Nancy Piwowar

Plainfield: 'Buy Muhlenberg' Coalition protests Obama's consideration of Corzine

2008-11-10T04:29:00.000-08:00

One of many signs on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield
protesting the Muhlenberg closure.

Members of the 'Buy Muhlenberg' Coalition have addressed an open letter to President-elect Barack Obama's transition team regarding the consideration of New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine as a potential Treasury Secretary. Here is the letter in its entirety --

An Open Letter to the Obama Transition Team: Vetting Jon Corzine

We speak for thousands of people in the twelve municipalities covering parts of three counties served by Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, located in Plainfield, New Jersey: Jon Corzine is unqualified to serve in any key financial position in the Obama administration. He has demonstrated time and again a Wall Street attitude that ignores the needs of Main Street. Our experience of his values and ways of operating relates to the way he closed a vital regional medical center with nothing to replace it.

Here is roughly how it went from our perspective:

He appointed a commission on the “rationalization of healthcare” in New Jersey—their job was to develop criteria for determining which hospitals should remain open and which should be closed, since there has been a healthcare financial crisis in our state for years which somewhat mirrors the rest of the nation

Claiming he was using these criteria, Gov. Corzine has overseen the closing of eleven hospitals across the state; in some instances there may have been an overlap of services, but in others there were not. Nine are in urban areas.

Instead of following the recommendations of his commission, which stated that financially troubled but essential hospitals should be kept open, the Governor simply let the free market determine the fate of hospitals that larger hospital systems wanted to discharge.

In January 2008, he appointed Heather Howard, a lawyer, to be Commissioner of Health and Human Services (formerly those in this office were health care professionals). Ms Howard followed the free market principles to a “T” in stating that Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, located in an urban center, should be allowed to go away, so that its sister facility in the Solaris Health System, JFK Hospital in Edison (a wealthier suburban community) could flourish.

To us this is a callous Wall Street mentality emblematic of the administration now vacating the White House. This attitude seems very inconsistent with that of President-Elect Obama.

Another, far murkier angle has been Corzine’s backroom political maneuvering that has presented the public with an opaque face. Whenever we community leaders approached elected officials, all Democrats, from state assembly and senate to U.S. Representatives and Senators, we were met with complete indifference. (Though most of us probably vote Democratic, we were not displeased that one Democrat aspiring to a House seat was not elected, in part because of her indifference to our pleas to help save Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center.) We cannot prove Jon Corzine’s involvement, but suffice it to say that Sen. Barbara Buono of Middlesex County is the head of the Senate Budget Committee, and her husband, Dr. Martin Gizzi, is a highly paid [administrator] with Solaris who has never liked Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center.

Despite extensive research done by our team of community activists, neither the Governor nor his Health Commissioner looked into our many allegations of misdoings on the part of Solaris, which, it seems pretty clear, systematically dismantled all of MRMC’s money-making components and then claimed that charity care was the reason they needed to close the hospital.

It turns out that Solaris’ motivation has a Corzine/Wall Street connection. The state has created a Health Care Facilities Financing Authority which grants hospital systems CLOSING some of their hospitals access to low cost bonds for capital development and restructuring of debt. One of the primary issuers of these bonds is Goldman Sachs, Jon Corzine’s former employer. Thus Solaris was recently granted a $169M bond for just these purposes. Whether the bond can actually be sold in this weak market is another question.

Bottom line: hiring Jon Corzine simply puts Wall Street at the heart of a new administration claiming to be different from the last one.

We will be thrilled to supply details to anyone on the Obama Transition Team willing to listen and safeguard the integrity of the new administration.

Rev. James Colvin, Pastor
United Church of Christ
Member of Buy Muhlenberg Coalition
Plainfield, New Jersey

Those interested in the 'Buy Muhlenberg' Coalition can get more information by calling Rev. Colvin at (908) 755-8658.

-- Dan Damon

Four buyers bid on Old Bridge hospital

2008-10-08T05:42:00.001-07:00

Four unnamed buyers have stepped forward with offers to purchase Raritan Bay MC's Old Bridge hospital, according to today's Star-Ledger.

The move would shore up Raritan Bay's Perth Amboy hospital, which is in fiscal straits owing to the state's failure to adequately reimburse charity care.

Wanna bet the potential buyers' names will have a familiar sound when they become known?

Read the full story here: "Potential buyer found for Old Bridge hospital".

Commissioner Howard denies appeal over Muhlenberg closure

2008-10-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Commissioner Heather Howard denied the requests of Plainfield and POP to reconsider the decision to grant Solaris a CoN for closure of Muhlenberg, according to today's Courier News.

This sets the stage for the appeal to move to the courts, if the Green/Robinson-Briggs team doesn't lose its nerve.

Read the full story here.

No word on Robinson-Briggs acceptance of Muhlenberg oversight yet

2008-09-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

Mayor Robinson-Briggs was to get back to Commissioner Heather Howard by the end of the week (September 26th), answering the Commissioner's questions about the proposed Community Advisory Group (CAG) and whether she intended to take up the role of monitor. (See more HERE.)

As of Saturday, no word has been given of the Mayor's reponse, and there is no information available on the city's website.

Robinson-Briggs may take on managing Muhlenberg monitor

2008-09-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

Commissioner Heather Howard is proposing that responsibility for the oversight group outlined in her conditions for Solaris' closure of Muhlenberg be handed over to the office of Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, according to a report in Tuesday's Courier.

Howard asked for specifics of the group's makeup and meeting schedules, which Mayor Robinson-Briggs said would be forthcoming by the end of the week.

The Mayor intends to bring the matter up with the Council -- which she refers to as 'our partners in this' -- when it meets in a special session she has called for Wednesday to present the Administration's proposed FY2009 budget.

Read the full story here: "Mayor's office may take on managing advisory group in Muhlenberg closure".

Report: As economy tanks, consumers cut health spending

2008-09-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal reports that a study finds many are cutting back on health care as the economy sours.

Income strictures, combined with higher copays, are leading many to forego doctor's visits, testing and even how often they fill their prescriptions.

For the first time in at least a decade, year-over-year spending dropped -- in the second quarter by nearly 2%.

Read the full story here: "Consumers Cut Health Spending, As Economic Downturn Takes Toll".

Muhlenberg Foundation: Plainfield-focused and independent

2008-09-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Comforting news in today's Courier: The Muhlenberg Foundation is independent of Solaris and will continue to raise and dispense monies for Plainfield-related health care activities and issues, according to board president Oliver Anderson.

The story by reporter Mark Spivey should help quell concerns that Solaris has control of the foundation, though somehow the many people involved in 'Restore Muhlenberg' got short shrift while one person was spotlighted.

Read the full story here: "Muhlenberg hospital donations will go to community".

Hospitals peddle 'fake news'

2008-09-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

The government isn't the only one out there peddling 'fake news' -- spin-filled stories peddled to promote a specific point of view and published with 'lite' or no editing or attribution by the news media, print and TV.

Writing in In These Times, Emily Udell reports on the troubling trend of newspapers allowing hospital public relations offices to write articles for their health pages -- without attribution.

Read more here: "Hospital Flacks Spread Fake News".

Muhlenberg tops JFK in state performance review

2008-09-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

Muhlenberg's Overall Score. (Click to enlarge image.)

The release of the state's 5th annual hospital performance report has some interesting comparisons between Muhlenberg and JFK.

JKF's Overall Score. (Click to enlarge image.)

Here are links to the individual report cards: Muhlenberg | JFK |.

Read the full story in the --

Courier: "Central Jersey hospitals among those to rank high on annual report cards"
Ledger: "Annual grading shows Jersey hospitals' care on upswing"

Muhlenberg Closure: 2nd Appeal filed by POP, Restore Muhlenberg

2008-09-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

Independently of the city of Plainfield, POP and Restore Muhlenberg have filed an appeal of the closure of Muhlenberg by Solaris Health System.

Writing in today's Courier, Mark Spivey reports on how POP attorney Bennet Zurofsky's appeal differs from the city's -- alleging a breach of fiduciary responsibilities by the Muhlenberg and Solaris boards.

Read the complete story here: "Second appeal filed in protest of decision to close Plainfield's Muhlenberg Hospital".

ERs: Patients often confused about treatment, care

2008-09-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

Most ER patients leave the hospital understanding neither the treatment they received or how to take care of themselves once they get home, writes Laurie Tarkan in the New York Times.

This often leads to complications that land them back in the ER.

Read the original story here: "E.R. Patients Often Left Confused After Visits".

Solaris confident in face of Plainfield's notice of appeal

2008-09-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

The city's notice to appeal Commissioner Heather Howard's closure of Muhlenberg made the front page of the Courier again today.

Dan Damon posts a link to both today's and yesterday's stories on the appeal over at Plainfield Today, along with his assessment of how serious and well-prepared Mayor Robinson-Briggs actually is.

Read more here.

Dr. Fertig's OpEd:

2008-09-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Dr. Brian Fertig's passionate OpEd piece from last Sunday's Courier ("Closure of Muhlenberg demonstrates deeper crisis") finally was put online this afternoon.

This is a must-read for all those who cannot believe the state would go against its own guidelines in shutting down Muhlenberg.

Read the original here. It is also permanently archived it here.

Disaster Preparedness: Muhlenberg area written off?

2008-09-09T04:30:00.001-07:00

How unprepared are we for a mass disaster?

With the closure of Muhlenberg, the emergency preparedness plan for Plainfield and the surrounding communities needs a radical update. Will it be done, or is the state just willing to write off 135,000 people without batting an eye?

The current issues of Emergency Management magazine looks at hospital preparedness --

With 9/11 seven years past, hospitals still aren't ready to handle the surge of patients that would come during another mass casualty event, despite billions of dollars spent, according to experts in the field.

Since September 2001, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has distributed nearly $4 billion to state and local hospital preparedness efforts.

Nevertheless, officials say hospital emergency departments and emergency medical services (EMS) would be unable to handle a mass casualty event... CONTINUE reading.

Solaris: Answers to State's Questions (not publicly available for June hearing)

2008-09-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the sleuthing of Plainfield's own Nancy Piwowar, a letter detailing Solaris' response to questions by the State -- which should have been available for the public in the Library's files, but was never received by them before the June public hearing. Thanks to DWX for scanning and converting them to PDF.

Read the letter below. (To print out, click on the little iPaper icon at the top left of the document window below.)

Solaris: Answers to the State's Questions, 5/12/2008 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Notice of Public Hearing: $169M bonds for Solaris

2008-09-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

The Legal Notice for the hearing on the proposed bonds for Solaris was run in the Trenton Times on Saturday, September 6.

Am posting below, and breaking it out into paragraphs for easier reading.

NEW JERSEY HEALTH CARE FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority (the "Authority") will hold a public hearing on September 25, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., in the offices of the Authority at 22 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey, with respect to the financing requested by the following institutions:

OWNER AND OPERATOR: (i) The Community Hospital Group, Inc., t/a JFK Medical Center ("JFK"); (ii) Hartwyck at Oak Tree, Inc. ("Hartwyck"); and (iii) Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, Inc. ("Muhlenberg")

MAXIMUM AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF TAX-EXEMPT BONDS ("Series 2008B Bonds"): $169,000,000, as described below.

PROJECT: The project to be financed consists of

(1) various capital improvements to JFK Medical Center, including, but not limited to, expansion of inpatient bed capacity and unit renovations, emergency room expansion, cardiac catheterization lab suite expansion, operating room renovations and expansion, renovation of existing space for hyperbaric wound center, relocation of support departments, conversion of HVAC system and other necessary expansions, renovations and improvements, and the refinancing of various series of bonds issued on behalf of, and other indebtedness of, JFK, Hartwyck and Muhlenberg, as described below, all in connection with the termination of the provision of hospital acute care services at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center and pursuant to the State's Hospital Asset Transformation Program,

(2) payment of capitalized interest on a portion of the Series 2008B Bonds and

(3) payment of costs of issuance of the Series 2008B Bonds. It is expected that a portion of the proceeds of the Series 2008B Bonds will be applied to refinance all or a portion of the following:

(i) $22,200,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds, JFK Systems Obligated Group Issue, Series 1993 (the "1993 Bonds") The proceeds of the 1993 Bonds were loaned to Hartwyck for the purpose of financing (a) the acquisition of Edison Estates Rehabilitation and Convalescent Center (the "Center"), (b) certain renovations and improvements to the Center, (c) a deposit to the Debt Service Reserve Fund and
(iv) costs of issuance.

(ii) $30,100,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds, JFK Health Systems Obligated Group Issue, Series 1995 (the "1995 JFK Bonds") The proceeds of the 1995 JFK Bonds were loaned to JFK to (a) finance (i) the construction of an addition to house new operating rooms, lobby, coffee and gift shops, administrative offices and a medical/surgical bed unit and renovations to the existing facilities including operating rooms and obstetrical areas; (ii) construction of an addition to the rehabilitation facility to house out-patient services and renovation of existing treatment and service areas; (iii) the acquisition of certain major moveable equipment; (b) fund capitalized interest for the 1995 JFK Bonds; (c) fund a Debt Service Reserve Fund for the 1995 JFK Bonds and (d) pay certain costs of issuance incidental to the issuance of the 1995 JFK Bonds.

(iii) $53,205,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue and Refunding Bonds JFK Medical Center/Hartwyck at Oak Tree Obligated Group Issue, Series 1998 (the "1998 JFK - Hartwyck Bonds") The proceeds of the 1998 JFK - Hartwyck Bonds were used by JFK and Hartwyck (the "Institutions") to: (a) refinance a loan from First Union National Bank (the "First Union Loan") used to acquire major moveable equipment and property, (b) renovate existing facilities of the Institutions; (c) currently refund the Authority's Revenue Bonds, Intercare Health Systems, Inc. - J.F.K. Medical Center Issue, Series 1988 Bonds (the "1988 JFK Bonds"); (d) advance refund the Authority's Revenue Bonds, JFK Health System Obligated Group Issue, Series 1991 Bonds; and (e) pay certain costs incidental to the issuance and sale of the 1998 JFK - Hartwyck Bonds.

(iv) $25,990,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue and Refunding Bonds Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center Issue, Series 2000 (the "2000 Muhlenberg Bonds") The proceeds of the 2000 Muhlenberg Bonds were loaned to Muhlenberg for the purpose of (i) purchasing major moveable equipment which was part of Muhlenberg's 2000 Capital Budget (the "2000 Muhlenberg Project"), (ii) currently refunding the Authority's Revenue Bonds, Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center Issue, Series B; and (iii) paying costs incidental to the issuance and sale of the 2000 Muhlenberg Bonds.

(v) $20,000,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds (Variable Rate Composite Program - the Community Hospital Group, Inc. Project) Series 2003 A-1 (the "2003 Bonds") The proceeds of the 2003 Bonds were loaned to JFK for the purpose of financing the costs of the following: (i) land and building improvements, (ii) various items of equipment for hospital use, including, but not limited to: mobile MRIs, air conditioning replacements, elevator upgrades, linear accelerator, uninterrupted power supply system for computer room, sleep lab-rooms, chapel renovations, operating room renovations, maternity expansion, and furniture and equipment for use in various hospital departments, including, fire alarm replacements, treadmills, beds, radiology and imaging, monitoring systems, network infrastructure, Legacy (X-ray) System, mammography system, MRI clinical projection computer system (the "2003 Project") and (iii) paying costs associated with the issuance of the 2003 Bonds.

(vi) $18,000,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds, Variable Rate Composite (COMP) Program, Series 2005 A-3 (the "2005 Bonds") The proceeds of the 2005 Bonds were loaned to JFK to finance the costs of building improvements and various items of equipment, including renovations to the Access Center, the dietary department, the radiology department, a nursing unit, and major equipment purchases in the area of information technology as well as furniture and equipment for use in various hospital departments.

(vii) $6,500,000 line of credit from Wachovia Bank, National Association ("Wachovia") to JFK (the "JFK Line of Credit") made available to JFK pursuant to a Loan Agreement by and between Wachovia and JFK, dated as of July 27, 2006. Amounts available under the JFK Line of Credit were applied to fund capital expenditures at JFK Medical Center. PROJECT LOCATIONS: (i) 65 James Street, Township of Edison, County of Middlesex, New Jersey; (ii) (a) 10 Brunswick Road, Township of Edison, County of Middlesex, New Jersey, (b) 2048 Oak Tree Road, Township of Edison, County of Middlesex, New Jersey and (iii) Park Avenue & Randolph Road, City of Plainfield, County of Union, New Jersey.

FINANCING PLAN: In order to finance the Project described above, the Authority will issue one or more series of bonds on a tax-exempt and/or taxable basis. At the above-referenced meeting of the Authority, members of the public may appear in person or by representative to provide information and make statements concerning the foregoing. The bonds to be issued will be special obligations of the Authority payable solely out of amounts received pursuant to the State Contract. [Emphasis added -- DD]

THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY (THE "STATE") SHALL NOT BE OBLIGATED TO PAY, AND NEITHER THE FAITH AND CREDIT NOR TAXING POWER OF THE STATE SHALL BE PLEDGED TO THE PAYMENT OF, THE PRINCIPAL OR REDEMPTION PRICE, IF ANY, OF OR INTEREST ON SUCH BONDS. THE BONDS SHALL BE A SPECIAL, LIMITED OBLIGATION OF THE AUTHORITY, PAYABLE SOLELY OUT OF THE REVENUES OR OTHER RECEIPTS, FUNDS OR MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY PLEDGED UNDER THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUCH BONDS AND FROM ANY AMOUNTS OTHERWISE AVAILABLE UNDER SUCH RESOLUTION FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS. THE BONDS SHALL NEVER CONSTITUTE A CHARGE AGAINST THE GENERAL CREDIT OF THE AUTHORITY. THE AUTHORITY HAS NO TAXING POWER. THE BONDS SHALL NOT BE A DEBT OR LIABILITY OF THE STATE OR ANY AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY THEREOF (OTHER THAN THE AUTHORITY TO THE LIMITED EXTENT SET FORTH IN THE RESOLUTION), EITHER LEGAL, MORAL OR OTHERWISE, AND NOTHING IN THE AUTHORITY'S ACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO AUTHORIZE THE AUTHORITY TO INCUR ANY INDEBTEDNESS ON BEHALF OF OR IN ANY WAY OBLIGATE THE STATE OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF.

This notice is published in accordance with the public notice requirements of Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

NEW JERSEY HEALTH CARE FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY

Fee $101.12

9/6/08 Times

Read the online original HERE.

Letter: Carolyn Eklund on endangered patients

2008-09-08T04:05:00.000-07:00

The Rev. Carolyn Eklund, pastor of Grace Episcopal Church and Muhlenberg activist, has a disturbing letter in today's Courier detailing issues she has had in tracking down elderly and frail parishioners when they have been hospitalized. There are issues with records. And with tracking down exactly what hospital a disoriented elderly person was taken to.

This is hardly how we were promised it would be.

Read the letter here: "Without Muhlenberg, fragile and needy endangered".

Without Muhlenberg, is Plainfield prepared for a disaster?

2008-09-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

As has been pointed out before, Muhlenberg was a key element in the disaster preparedness plans for western Union County worked out with the state in the tabletop exercises of 2005.

The closure of the hospital has put retooling the plan in many peoples' minds.

Today's Courier carries a story concerning a survey Rutgers will be conducting in central New Jersey on disaster preparedness.

Time to put pressure on Plainfield to update its plan?

Read the story here: "Rutgers survey to focus on emergency preparedness in central Jersey".

Muhlenberg: Green gripes to Howard about Solaris

2008-09-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

In a front page story, the Courier's Mark Spivey covers the meeting in Trenton yesterday by Assemblyman Jerry Green and Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs with Commissioner Heather Howard and Solaris officials.

Read the full story here: "Plainfield, Solaris air differences at Muhlenberg meeting".

As an aside, parsing the weasel words of Solaris spokesperson Weiss is becoming an art form. You can infer a great deal about what Solaris is planning from paying very close attention to how his statements are couched.

Abdul-Haqq: Muhlenberg fight must continue

2008-09-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

Plainfield Board of Ed member Rasheed Abdul-Haqq has a lengthy letter to the editor in today's Courier.

Read more here: "Fight for Muhlenberg needs to continue".

Muhlenberg the talk of mayor's forum

2008-08-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

Muhlenberg was much on the minds of those attending Mayor Robinson-Briggs' community forum on Tuesday evening, and a good number turned out, despite short notice by the mayor's public relations machine.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg, crime dominate Plainfield community forum".

Green wants state to hold off on Solaris bonds

2008-08-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

Today's Courier features a front-page story where Assemblyman Jerry Green calls on the state to hold off on the planned Solaris bond issue until some 'grievances' are addressed.

Dan Damon has a link to the story along with his observations over at PLAINFIELD TODAY.

See more here: "Jerry Green: Hold off on Solaris bonds"

Muhlenberg in study on 'preventable' hospital stays

2008-08-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

Though Solaris has closed Muhlenberg, the hospital figures in a just-released study on preventable hospital stays.

A front-page story in today's Courier reports details of the study, which covers Union, Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Read more here: "Central Jersey hospitals lauded on low rate of preventable patient stays".

What's next for Muhlenberg?

2008-08-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

A front-page story in Saturday's Courier details the surrender of Muhlenberg's license by Solaris yesterday.

Dan Damon links to the story and comments on what's likely next over at PLAINFIELD TODAY.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg: License surrendered, dismemberment next?"

Strokes: In Muhlenberg service area, quick thinking may not be enough

2008-08-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Today's Asbury Park Press reports on how the quick response of a carpenter's workmates while he was having a stroke AND the fact that they were working on the grounds of a hospital at the very time helped save the man's life.

Knowing that someone having a stroke in the Muhlenberg service area of Plainfield and the surrounding towns will have to a) wait for an ambulance that can take who knows how long, and b) be transported -- 20-25 minutes? more? -- to a 'nearby' hospital, cannot be comforting news.

Especially given the importance of the time factor, as the story points out.

Read more here: "Quick thinking saved stroke victim's life".

Muhlenberg closing still open issue for residents

2008-08-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

Writing in today's Courier, reporter Mark Spivey covers the issues raised at Monday night's Plainfield City Council meeting by supporters and Council members.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg's closing still open issue for Plainfield residents".

FLASH: Colvin on 101.5 at 9:10 AM - Today!!

2008-08-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

Muhlenberg supporter Rev. Jim Colvin will be on 101.5 at 9:10 AM this morning.

Jim was invited as a result of talk show host Jim Gearhart's receipt of a copy of the letter from Jim and Sarah published in the August 7 Westfield Leader (see bottom of this item).

The call-in number for 101.5 is (800) 283-1015.

Westfield Leader, August 7, 2008

Letter of Revs. Jim and Sarah Colvin

Taxpayers Pay for Questionable
Hospital Closings in New Jersey

Thanks for your coverage of Muhlenberg.

The only entities who benefit from the closing of a hospital are the large corporations that close them. Gov. Jon Corzine must be pleased that his friends at the top of the economic food chain benefit so handsomely. Catholic Health East of Pa. will receive $252 million in low cost bonds issued by the state as it takes over St. Michel’s in Newark, and the issuer may well be Corzine’s alma mater, Goldman Sachs. (Goldman Sachs is listed as a possible issuer in the NJ Hospitals and Facilities Authority bulletin). For the first six years, we taxpayers will shell out $8.8 million per year, then theoretically the company will take over payments, although we remain on the hook for the duration.

Solaris Health Systems, who declared Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center insolvent and convinced Corzine and his Health Commissioner, Heather Howard, to close this essential urban hospital, will benefit greatly from the closing. At first, Solaris applied for $70 million to close Muhlenberg. Now the number has magically increased to $160 million — an astonishing figure that could be used to maintain the hospital for another ten years! We taxpayers have a right to see just what the $160 million is intended to do.

Instead, Solaris is trying to cash in at the expense of state taxpayers and at the same time selling off as much of the property as possible. (It is valued at over $90 million.) Solaris must be drooling in wait of the day when they can shut down all operations in Plainfield and cash in to support bloated executive salaries. CEO John McGee makes $652,000 on the books and who knows how much from his other business dealings partnering with local politicians.

Corzine should be held accountable for these amoral shenanigans that end up endangering people by depriving them of healthcare. Not surprisingly, most of them are located in poor urban areas with large minority populations.

We pray for the day when Corzine holds no public office and Solaris is out of the healthcare business — and for the day when healthcare is seen as a human right rather than a source of profit for the few.

Revs. James and Sarah Colvin
United Church of Christ, Plainfield

'Smart' hospital room tours area

2008-08-19T05:19:00.000-07:00

Today's Ledger carries a story about a 'smart' hospital room exhibit developed by Kansas City-based Cemer, a company that supplies hospitals with technology, that stopped of at Somerset Medical Center as part of a multi-state tour.

Read more here: "The 'smart' cure for care".

About Jerry Green's role in the Muhlenberg closure

2008-08-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Today, Dan Damon reviews Assemblyman Green's OpEd piece from Saturday's Courier over at PLAINFIELD TODAY.

The Assemblyman raises more questions about his role (and that of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs) than he may care to.

Read more HERE.

Dr. Lauer: Muhlenberg closure may affect heart ailment care

2008-08-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Cardiologist and 'miracle worker' Robert Lauer outlines his concerns over the outcomes for cardian patients in emergency situations now that Muhlenberg has closed, in a story written by Mark Spivey in today's Courier.

Dr. Lauer is known to all as one of the most outspoken critics of the closure of Muhlenberg.

This is a must-read article.

See: "Muhlenberg closure may affect heart-ailment care".

Last look at cast of characters: Lynch, Piscatelli, Schwartz

2008-08-17T06:40:00.001-07:00

Today's Courier features two stories on the Muhlenberg closure.

First up, writer Brandon Lausch, who took over coverage of the Muhlenberg story when reporter Clem Fiorentino took an early retirement buyout from Gannett, reprises some of the players in the efforts to save the hospital, particularly Olive Lynch of 'Buy Muhlenberg', David Schwartz and Drew Piscatelli (remember him?).

Read more here: "A last look at the cast of characters in the Muhlenberg closure".

Letter: Andrea Kee chides Howard, Solaris

2008-08-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

This morning's Courier has a letter from Plainfield resident and Muhlenberg activist Andrea Kee, taking Commissioner Heather Howard and Solaris to task over the sale of Muhlenberg.

Read more here: "State, Solaris must serve health needs of area".

Courier: Howard and Green meeting; Green OpEd

2008-08-15T07:52:00.001-07:00

Today's Courier reports on the meeting between Commissioner 'Chainsaw Heather' Howard and Assemblyman Green yesterday. Read about it over at Dan Damon's PLAINFIELD TODAY.

Muhlenberg: Access to Medical Records Costly

2008-08-15T04:29:00.000-07:00

The question of access to their medical records has been much on the minds of those who received care or treatment at Muhlenberg Hospital.

Solaris ran an ad in yesterday's Courier (page A-10) concerning the matter, the text of which is reproduced below --

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

How to Access Your Medical
Records from Muhlenberg
Regional Medical Center

Please be advised that due to the closure of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, JFK Medical Center will retain the responsibility for the safekeeping and accessibility of all components of the patients' medical records (both active and stored, and paper and electronic) on the Muhlenberg Campus.

The patient or the patient's legally authorized representatives can request, in writing, copies of medical records. Request should be sent to:

Health Information Management
Muhlenberg Campus
Park Ave. and Randolph Rd.
Plainfield, NJ 07061

One copy of the medical record from an individual admission shall be provided to the patient or the patient's legally authorized representative within 30 days of request.

If patient has any questions, they may contact Health Information Management Department at 908-668-2234.

Readers should note that this is NOT REALLY THE WHOLE PICTURE, SINCE COSTS ARE NOT MENTIONED IN THE AD.

For those, you can turn to the 'records' page (http://www.muhlenberg.com/medical-records/) on the much-shrunken Muhlenberg website, where you learn that the charge will be $1/per page for the first 100 pages and then 25¢/per page up to 200 pages.

Those used to paying for public documents requested through the state's OPRA act will find the charges excessive -- by state regulation the charges for copying printed government documents are 75¢ each for the first ten pages, 50¢ each for the next ten pages and 25¢ for each page thereafter.

Mock funeral coverage and Muhlenberg's closure

2008-08-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

Muhlenberg activist Nancy Piwowar pointed out that even the heavens wept yesterday over the closing of Muhlenberg Hospital.

As Solaris prepared to pull the plug on Muhlenberg after 131 years of service to Plainfield and the surrounding communities, hundreds of supporters gathered in the parking lot across Park Avenue from the hospital to rally their forces once again and continue the protests with a mock funeral from Plainfield to JFK, which concluded with a candlelight vigil in front of Plainfield City Hall.

Univision (Ch 41) and NJN sent sound trucks to cover the event, and today's Courier and Ledger feature the news.

In addition, you can read Dan Damon's take on the significance of today's meeting between Mayor Robinson-Briggs, Assemblyman Green and Commissioner Howard over at PLAINFIELD TODAY.

Read more of today's new stories here:

Courier: "Protesters hold mock funeral to mark passing of Plainfield hospital"
Courier: "Acute-care services ended Wednesday at Muhlenberg"
Courier, Editorial: "Solaris should give Plainfield a chance"
Ledger: A nice photo story with two pictures, in the print edition only.

Solaris Flyers: ER Information | Free Transportation Services

2008-08-14T04:26:00.000-07:00

Here are two flyers put out by Solaris concerning the Satellite ER and its operations, and the Free Transportation which is part of the terms the State set for Solaris to close Muhlenberg.

The following can be printed out directly from this page, without needing to open a PDF reader. Just click on the 'iPaper' icon at the top left of the document window and select 'print'.

SATELLITE ER OPERATIONS

Satellite ER: Questions and Answers - Upload a Document to Scribd

FREE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

Solaris: Free Transportation Information - Upload a Document to Scribd

Heartstopper rescue for Muhlenberg?

2008-08-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

Today's Courier and Ledger both features stories on the last-minute effort to save Muhlenberg.

This time by a Philadelphia heart surgeon with connections to a family enterprise that has successfully turned around troubled hospitals.

Catch links to the newspaper stories and get the background over at Dan Damon's PLAINFIELD TODAY.

Corzine signs 4 bills dealing with hospitals

2008-08-10T05:14:00.000-07:00

Gov. Corzine signed four bills on Friday that deal with hospital finances and communication with their stakeholders.

One, sponsored by Assemblyman Jerry Green, would require an annual public meeting with the communities a hospital serves.

Read the coverage here --

Courier: "Corzine signs bill package to protect hospitals"
Ledger: "Early warning system for ailing hospitals becomes law"
Record: "New law limits hospital fees charged to uninsured"

Courier: Final preparations for Muhlenberg closure

2008-08-10T05:09:00.000-07:00

A front-page story in today's Courier assesses the impact of Muhlenberg's closure, slated for Wednesday, and the measures being taken to fill the gaps.

Read more here: "Final preparations under way for Muhlenberg Hospital to close Wednesday"

Westfield Leader: Muhlenberg closure increases Trinitas births

2008-08-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

The Westfield Leader's August 7 edition has a report on the impact Muhlenberg's impending closure is having on births at Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth.

Trinitas says 41 Plainfield women have delivered there since the arrangement went into effect.

Unconfirmed rumors are circulating among 'Save Muhlenberg' activists that at least one birth took place in an ambulance on the way from Plainfield to Trinitas.

Read the full story here: "Muhlenberg closure increases Trinitas births"

Solaris: Muhlenberg Home Care to continue

2008-08-07T06:06:00.000-07:00

In a quarter-page ad in the Union County section of today's Ledger, Solaris states that Muhlenberg's Home Care Program will continue despite the hospital's expected closure.

The ad quotes Ellen Gusick, director of the program, as saying "the Home Care Program will continue uninterrupted, delivering the exceptional service the community has been accustomed to."

The program's RNs, physical, occupational and speech therapists, dieticians, home health aides and social workers assist in the recovery at home of patients of all ages in the Muhlenberg service area.

Info: (908) 668-2253.

Olive Lynch: Charity care as a tax writeoff?

2008-08-07T04:50:00.000-07:00

'Buy Muhlenberg' organizer Olive Lymch is recommending an online article at Reason magazine's website.

Entitled "How Hospital Costs Ran Amok", it details how uncollected charity care costs can be used as tax deductions on hospitals' other income.

It is an interesting article, from a libertarian point of view; however, it does not make clear if the tactic applies to NONPROFIT community hospitals, of which Muhlenberg and JFK are examples.

Read more here: http://reason.com/news/show/127821.html

Muhlenberg: Gostel's missing OpEd, and missing Courier editorial

2008-08-04T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Courier finally caught up later in the day Sunday and put up the 'Speaking Out' piece by Muhlenberg activist John Gostel of Edison (Voice needed to support Muhlenberg) and the editorial critiquing the plan to monitor Solaris' compliance with the terms of the closure (Give city more control of closure aftermath). Better late than never, as they say.

Read more here:

John Gostel: "Voices, loud and clear, needed to support Muhlenberg"
Editorial: "Give city more control of closure aftermath"

And yesterday's big piece on urban hospitals here: "N.J. urban hospitals 'unsupportable'".

Courier: NJ's urban hospitals 'unsupportable'

2008-08-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

Plainfielders and other supporters of Muhlenberg may well rankle at the statement in today's front-page Courier story on urban hospitals that

Solaris [is] the nonprofit company that oversees Muhlenberg and its parent hospital, JFK Medical Center in Edison (emphasis added).

However you feel about that representation of the facts, you will want to read the story.

Unfortunately, you will have to get a dead-tree version of the paper for a 'Speaking Out' piece by Muhlenberg activist John Postel of Edison (Voice needed to support Muhlenberg) and the editorial critiquing the plan to monitor Solaris' compliance with the terms of the closure (Give city more control of closure aftermath). Read the online story here: "N.J. urban hospitals 'unsupportable'".

Record-Press: Howard challenged over cancelling Muhlenberg license

2008-08-02T06:03:00.001-07:00

This week's Record-Press online features a story on the Muhlenberg closure highlighting POP attorney Zurofsky's challenge to Commissioner Howard on not granting active status for the Muhlenberg license for a period of time as recommended by the State Health Advisory Board.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg slated to close August 13".

Letter: Absent Plainfield officials hurt Muhlenberg fight

2008-08-02T05:47:00.001-07:00

Muhlenberg volunteer and 'Save Muhlenberg' activist Jane Fargo has a tightly argued letter in today's Courier that indicts the administration of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs for not having done more to rally the surrounding communities against the closure, and for failing to step up to the plate to assist legal moves to forestall the closing.

Read more here: "Absent public officials hurt Muhlenberg fight".

State gives St. Michael's the deal Muhlenberg needed

2008-08-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

While Muhlenberg is being closed down, the state will lend Catholic Healthcare East $253M in taxpayer-funded bonds to keep Newark's St. Michael's Hospital open. This is the kind of deal Muhlenberg needed, but did not get. Was that because Solaris didn't want it or that Assemblyman Green was powerless to get it?

According to the Ledger's continuous news desk story, the money will be used to 'erase debt, replace outmoded equipment, and expand facilities'.

All that Muhlenberg needs is help with its charity care obligation, which, by state law, it cannot sidestep.

The print edition of the Ledger this AM includes even more details --

The loan will erase debt, replace outmoded equipment and expand facilities. It helps cement Saint Michael's future when half of New Jersey hospitals operate in the red. Seven hospitals have closed since 2007, and an eighth -- Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield -- will shut on Aug. 13.

"Given that the city of Newark faced catastrophic closure of three hospitals, this investment maintained access to care for the residents of the community," said Donna Leusner, spokeswoman for the state Department of Health.

But the Corzine administration's decision to go into debt to bail out Saint Michael's revived criticism that the state cannot control its spending.

"Further debt without voter approval concerns me, to the extent the state is on the hook," said Sen. Leonard Lance (R-Hunterdon), an outspoken critic of state borrowing.

The bond deal was assembled by the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, and the state treasurer and health commissioner approved the bond sale.

State taxpayers will pick up $8.8 million next year to begin paying back the loan. The state would pay $16.5 million a year from 2010 to 2013 if the hospital continues to struggle, said Mark Hopkins, the authority's executive director. If the hospital is making money based on a formula set by the state, it could pick up the payments as early as the second year and repay the state. The hospital is scheduled to assume the loan no later than 2014, Hopkins said.
The state's share of the payments will come from the state budget, which currently sets aside $2.5 billion to repay debt, Treasury spokesman Tom Bell said.

Isn't Newark one of the 'overbedded' areas?

Can you not almost spit from St. Michael's and hit University Hospital?

In New Jersey, it appears the only 'P' that counts is not 'Principle', but 'Politics'.

Read the story here: "Newark's St. Michael's Medical Center sold".

See the morning print edition here: "Bond deal will keep St. Michael's running".

Courier: Reaction to Muhlenberg closure news

2008-07-31T03:44:00.000-07:00

The Courier assesses the reaction to the Muhlenberg closure news today.

Read more here: "Residents, workers discuss Muhlenberg closure, impact".

Muhlenberg Closure: Howard's approval letter

2008-07-31T03:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the complete text of Commissioner Heather Howard's letter of Julyy 29 to Solaris CEO John McGee, granting permission for the closure of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center.

You may read it online or print out (to print, click on the little icon that says 'iPaper' and select 'print'.)

Muhlenberg Closure: Commissioner Howard's approval - Upload a Document to Scribd

-- Dan Damon

Commissioner Howard signs Muhlenberg's death warrant

2008-07-30T03:43:00.000-07:00

The news filtered in by email and cellphone yesterday afternoon that Commissioner Heather Howard finally signed Muhlenberg's death warrant.

Wasting no time, Solaris CEO John McGee announced there would be no new patient admissions at Muhlenberg after August 13.

You can see Dan Damon's take at Plainfield Today and Dr. Yood's comments at Doc's Potpourri. Assemblyman Green's new blog makes no mention of the momentous decision.

Read the newspaper coverage here --

Ledger by Alexi Friedman: "N.J. health commissioner OKs closing of Muhlenberg hospital"
Courier's staff report: "State health commissioner approves Muhlenberg closure"

Impact of Muhlenberg closure on Plainfield's United Way agencies

2008-07-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

Below is the message received from Jeff Scheckner, Community Development Director for the United Way of Greater Union County concerning the impact Muhlenberg's closure will have on the United Way's partnering agencies in Plainfield. I'm sure the same points can be made by UW agencies in the surrounding communities that are serviced by Muhlenberg. -- Dan Damon

Dear Friends in Plainfield,

As we continue in our struggle to maintain Muhlenberg as a viable, fully functioning medical facility we also need to consider how a potential closing or diminishing of services could impact the residents of greater Plainfield. To measure this aspect, I contacted the directors of United Way partnering agencies. The following are my findings; comments and any additional information is appreciated.

Regards,

Jeff Scheckner

Impact of Muhlenberg Hospital Closing on

Plainfield United Way Partnering Agencies

By Jeff Scheckner

Community Development Manager

United Way of Greater Union County

33 West Grand Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

Jeff.Scheckner@uwguc.org

There are 12 Plainfield agencies which partner with United Way of Greater Union County: American Red Cross-Tri-County, BCSB Cathie Life Development Center, HomeFirst, King’s Daughter Day School, Literacy Volunteers of Union County, Neighborhood House, Presbytery of Elizabeth, Second Street Youth Center, UCPC Behavioral Health Care Rehabilitation, United Family and Children’s Society, YMCA and YWCA. Each would be directly or indirectly impacted by the planned closing of Muhlenberg Hospital.

One common issue cited by the 12 agencies is that since Muhlenberg is the only hospital in proximity, staff, volunteers, clients, program attendees and their families would lose the service of their major health care provider. As Muhlenberg Hospital employs nearly 1,000 persons, many of the agencies indicated parents and those in a support network for program attendees could become unemployed and could no longer afford program fees. Loss of health insurance due to unemployment status is an associated issue.

The YMCA, YWCA, Neighborhood House and Second Street Youth Center emphasized their focus on sports, children’s playground activities and use of a gymnasium and pool as places for potential physical injury. Each has an arrangement with Muhlenberg to assist with emergencies.

The Neighborhood House has a foster grandparents program which would be in jeopardy if the hospital closes as many of these volunteers do not drive or have mobility issues and these individuals are assisted by services provided by Muhlenberg.

The Presbytery of Elizabeth located in Plainfield provides health counseling to four churches in the Plainfield area. Many of their clients are Hispanic immigrants who do not speak English. Muhlenberg provides significant assistance to immigrants/non-English speakers in completing forms and offering bi-lingual health information.

For disabled persons and those who do not have a vehicle, the Tri-County American Red Cross significantly assists with transporting people to the hospital and doctors appointments. Should Muhlenberg close, the Red Cross would need to greatly expand transportation services to another hospital(s). To accomplish this they would need to purchase additional vehicles, hire and train drivers, expand insurance coverage, increase dedicated telephone lines and hire staff for billing and scheduling. Further, the Red Cross provides food packages on several major holidays and if unemployment increases due to hospital staff layoffs, these services would need to be expanded.

United Family and Children’s Society has a program “Rising Stars” for children with ADHD. The program is run jointly with Muhlenberg and both share with outreach, staffing, and administration. For proper Medicaid reimbursement, the State mandates the hospital must be in close proximity of the clients it is serving. Without Muhlenberg, this program could not continue for Plainfield area residents unless the State can change how Medicaid can cover expenses.

UCPC Behavioral Care would no longer have the benefit of inpatient psychiatric care or emergency screening services and this may result in an increase of clients seeking services from UCPC as its first or only recourse, rather than receiving acute care at Muhlenberg. This could result in more clients needing emergency services presenting UCPC an increase caseload of acutely ill clients. It could also mean clients in need will not receive hospitalization or need to be hospitalized at another distant hospital and have a shorter stay due to increased demand for hospital beds.

Zurofsky to Howard: You must reconsider

2008-07-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Over at Plainfield Today, Dan Damon has posted the complete documents from POP attorney Bennet Zurofsky online, including his letters to Commissioner Howard and the SHPB as well as the final brief he submitted after the June hearing at PHS.

Also posted is the text of the legislation sponsored by Union County legislators Sen. Ray Lesniak, and Assemblymen Neil Cohen and Joe Cryan expanding the uses $44M of state money may be put to regarding hospitals in danger of closing.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg: Rescue money for who?"

Nancy P: I saw equipment moved out at night

2008-07-24T04:55:00.001-07:00

Muhlenberg activist Nancy Piwowar has a letter in today's Courier discussing her observation of medical equipment being moved out of Muhlenberg via the Emergency Room entrance on July 17.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg equipment taken out ‘under cloak of night’".

Going it alone, Robinson-Briggs searches for buyer

2008-07-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's Ledger (mea culpa!) reports those who want to save Muhlenberg have reached a fork in the road.

Actually, three.

Mayor Robinson-Briggs says she is going it alone (well, the Council majority is probably going with her) to find a buyer for Muhlenberg (Mr. Piscatelli, is that your cue?).

Olive Lynch and the 'Buy Muhlenberg' effort are going to publicly launch a campaign to amass the needed cash in pledges from an estimated 20-30,00 small donors.

And, the Peoples' Organization for Progress is pursuing the legal route by suing the state to stop the closure of Muhlenberg.

Read more here: "A 3-way split over hospital's survival".

Meanwhile, if you thought the State was playing by two sets of rules, you will want to read Dan Damon's post over at Plainfield Today (see HERE) about the hospital that was recently closed and the state is going to allow to reopen.

Cooper University Hospital attacks Courier

2008-07-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

With some gall, a VP of Cooper University Hospital in Camden has the nerve to write a letter chiding the editors of the Courier News on the issue of elective angioplasties. The letter completely sidesteps that what New Jersey hospitals are participating in is a national study being conducted by Johns Hopkins University.

Also unmentioned, but lurking in the background in my memory, are the sharp elbows that Cooper brings to playing the funding game.

Ask around among hospital folks and you'll find a consensus: Cooper would strangle any hospital if it got them a few more bucks.

The high road, this is not.

Read the letter here: "Angioplasties best done in high-volume facilities".

State asked to reconsider, make stabilization grant

2008-07-18T03:33:00.001-07:00

Both the Courier and the Ledger carry items on POP's request for the State Health Planning Board to reconsider its decision to recommend closure of Muhlenberg and to make the first grant from the newly-established Health Care Stabilization Fund to Muhlenberg.

Read more here --

Courier: "Letter asks state board to reconsider closure of Muhlenberg"
Ledger: "Group asks N.J. to reconsider decision to close Muhlenberg hospital"

Courier: Gallery of photos from last Friday

2008-07-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Courier has a gallery of photos from last Friday's rally.

See more here: "Muhlenberg Rally, 7/11/08".

Gutenkauf: Solaris is patronizing

2008-07-16T07:05:00.001-07:00

Dottie Gutenkauf finds Solaris partonizing over the community's needs and concerns.

Read her letter in today's Courier here: "Solaris patronizing over needs and concerns of community"

Courier editorializes on angioplasty licenses

2008-07-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

Today's Courier editorial recommends that Commissioner Howard grant the angioplasty licenses recommended by the State Health Planning Board last week.

A bitter pill for Plainfielders, as JFK will then successfully rack up the license once held -- to national acclaim -- by Muhlenberg.

Read more here: "Community wins with angioplasty support".

'Super users' swamp ERs

2008-07-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

'Super users' -- those who use Emergency Rooms frequently are the subject of a Ledger front-page story today. Including how one Camden doctor hopes to do something about the swamping of ER services. A problem for us as Solaris moves to close Muhlenberg?

Read more here: "Repeat 'super users' swamp ERs".

Coverage of Friday's rally

2008-07-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

Today's Courier covers Friday afternoon's rally on Park Avenue in support of Muhlenberg.

Read more here: "Despite inevitable closing, protesters continue to rally for Muhlenberg".

Board recommends angioplasty license to JFK

2008-07-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

Like I said yesterday, done deal.

The State Health Advisory Board yesterday recommended JFK get an angioplasty license.

Read more here --

Courier: "3 Central Jersey hospitals recommended for angioplasty study"
Ledger: "State board clears angioplasty study"

-- Dan

One more Solaris insult to Muhlenberg

2008-07-10T07:44:00.001-07:00

Like an ungrateful family member picking over a dying parent's belongings before they have expired, Solaris schemes to get a recommendation for an angioplasty license today.

Read more at Plainfield Today: "Solaris hopes for success of final insult to Muhlenberg today".

Last Masses at Muhlenberg chapel

2008-07-10T04:57:00.001-07:00

As Solaris continues to wind down Muhlenberg operations (though Commissioner Howard has yet to make her ruling), a flyer is being circulated announcing the final Masses by Fr. Udeze at Muhlenberg over the next few days. Note the Saturday afternoon Mass is in Centennial Hall.

If you go, please remember to say a prayer of thanksgiving for the ministry of comfort and hope that local Catholic priests and parishioners have offered to Muhlenberg patients. In particular, the late Fr. Al Carney comes to mind. (Click on image to print out letter-size flyer)

-- Dan

NPR picks up Muhlenberg story

2008-07-09T07:16:00.001-07:00

The Washington Post story has brought national attention to Muhlenberg, including a piece on NPR.

Read more at Plainfield Today: "WashPost brings national attention to Muhlenberg".

Solaris secretly stripping Muhlenberg?

2008-07-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

Front-page story in today's Courier on the moves by Solaris to close Muhlenberg's doors.

Read more here: "Transfers, equipment moves fuel rumors on status of Muhlenberg closing".

Muhlenberg makes front page of Washington Post

2008-07-08T05:35:00.001-07:00

The Washington Post ran a front-page story on how the Muhlenberg closure crisis reflects national health care issues. Link to the story is over at Plainfield Today, where Dan Damon takes a close look at the WashPost story -- and its shortcomings. Read more HERE.

Fanwood's Chelsea residents worry about Muhlenberg closing

2008-07-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

Residents of The Chelsea in Fanwood also worry about what will happen if Muhlenberg closes, especially since there are more people on average who need hospital attention.

Read more here: "Chelsea residents concerned about Muhlenberg closing".

Westfield Leader: State moves closer to Muhlenberg shutdown

2008-07-06T07:10:00.001-07:00

The Westfield Leader's holiday weekend edition has a major story reporting on the Health Planning Board's meeting and recommendation to Commissioner Heather Howard.

Read more of the Leader here: "Westfield Leader".

The story on the meeting and vote can be found HERE (PDF).

'Save Muhlenberg' in July 4 Parade

2008-07-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

The 'Save Muhlenberg' troops turned out in good fashion, complete with a float, in the annual July 4th Parade.

Petitions to Commissioner Heather Howard were circulated.

Reminder from the group:

Monday - July 7. 6:30 PM. Save Muhlenberg Meeting. 'Save Muhlenberg' participants plan next steps. Anyone with petitions to Commissioner Heather Howard circulated at the July 4 Parade is asked to bring them to the meeting. At duCret School of the Arts, 1030 Central Avenue.

Dr. Yood: Burden is on Solaris to make amends

2008-07-04T04:51:00.000-07:00

Plainfield's Dr. Harold Yood, also known as blogger 'olddoc', has an excellent letter in today's Courier.

Read more here: "Burden is on Solaris to make amends for Muhlenberg".

Muhlenberg: Solaris moves 3 units to JFK

2008-07-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

Muhlenberg supporters at State Board vote meeting.

Denying it is 'jumping the gun' on its closure plan for Muhlenberg, Solaris announced three units are being shifted to JFK, in a front-page story in today's Courier.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg begins transferring services".

Solaris spokesman Steven Weiss describes the moves as "physician-prompted", which certainly should certainly win him a Pulitzer nomination for creative torturing of the English language.

As it has been related to me, Solaris has lured the doctors down to JFK by refusing to schedule OR time at Muhlenberg, instead offering JFK privileges. Of carrots and sticks, you know...

-- Dan Damon

PNHC's expectant mothers and Trinitas

2008-07-02T06:50:00.001-07:00

In a front-page story in today's Courier, Plainfield Health Center CEO Rudine Smith touts the partnership with Trinitas for maternity services to its expectant mothers.

Read more here: "Maternity services extended to Muhlenberg's expectant patients"

While the transportation issues are mentioned, I think they are going to turn out to be more serious than PHC and Trinitas are letting on. Why else would the CoN have had so many transportation concessions added to it.

Meanwhile, everyone waits on Madame Defarge (alias Commissioner Heather Howard).

Editorial: Enough time for a miracle?

2008-06-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

Today's Courier editorializes on the worthy but uphill battle by supporters to keep Muhlenberg a full-service hospital.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg: Enough time for a miracle?".

Muhlenberg Supporters: Healthcare, Not Warfare!

2008-06-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

An email passed along by the 'Save Muhlenberg' network -- Rally is today, 11 AM.

The fight is far from over. Everyone of us succeeded the minute we chose to do anything rather than just sit there & let it happen. Now it is even more urgent to get those who said that they were interested in buying the hospital & running it to remain active. I am concerned about what Cathy had added about the license to the CN. I think that her condition might be helpful but perhaps I am wrong.

If I am understanding what she said at the hearing speciality hospitals do not have to treat everyone. They can turn people away. Her stipulation was that the license has to be keep as a full service acute care hospital specifically so that no one can come in and buy it at a discount to make a "medical mall".

It is also very important for everyone to see the connection this issue has to race & class. As we live with what is going to be our "Great Depression" elected officials (Jon Corzine) brag about the largest budget cut in the history of the state of NJ. They allow NJ's National Guard to be deployed again!!!!! Many of these men & women are serving their 3rd tour of duty!!!!!!

And as they do this our elected "representatives" are planing their attack on Iran. (If you think $4.00 a gallon is a lot to pay for gas just wait till they attack Iran!)

Don't put your hopes in elected officials. Put your hope in your selves and each other. Don't let your activism stop now.

The next step is to join us Saturday in front of the Military recruitment office in downtown Plainfield at 11 AM. It is on Front Street at Park Ave. Just 3 storefronts down from where we had our protest recently where we marched in the street.

HEALTHCARE NOT WARFARE!

Muhlenberg closure OK'ed

2008-06-27T07:38:00.001-07:00

The State Health Planning Board unanimously recommended the closure of Muhlenberg yesterday.

Read the media coverage here:

Courier: "Board votes to close hospital"
Courier: "Emotions run high at meeting to determine hospital's fate"
Courier photo gallery is HERE.
Ledger: "Panel unanimously backs closing of Muhlenberg hospital"

Coverage of 'graveyard' press conference

2008-06-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

Today is D-Day, when the State Health Advisory Board meets to vote its recommendation to Commissioner Howard regarding the proposed Muhlenberg closure.

Both papers have stories on yesterday's 'graveyard' press conference.

Read more here:

Courier: "Activists stage 'graveyard' rally to protest closure"

Ledger: "Final protest of hospital closing"

Jim Colvin responds to Ledger editorial on Muhlenberg

2008-06-25T04:53:00.000-07:00

The Star-Ledger editorialized on Muhlenberg's closing yesterday (6/24/08) and Muhlenberg supporter Rev. Jim Colvin, pastor of the United Church of Christ, responded with the letter below, submitted to the Ledger and also circulated by email. The complete editorial and a link to the original online version appear after Jim's letter.

-- Dan Damon

_________________________

LETTER

Star Ledger Exhibits Ignorance
and Arrogance on Muhlenberg

The Star Ledger printed an astonishingly ignorant and arrogant editorial on the proposed closing of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield. The editors steadfastly ignored research we sent to them refuting the Certificate of Need by Solaris Systems and illustrating ten years of transferring money making assets out of Muhlenberg to the advantage of Solaris' main concern, JFK Hospital in Edison.

The proposal that a puny satellite emergency room should suffice for an urban area with no nearby accessible hospital is the height of upper middle class arrogance. The Ledger's attitude toward, just as an example, the 1200 mothers who deliver babies yearly in Plainfield is virtually, "Let them take helicopters" ala Gov.. Corzine, whose attitude is the same. The Ledger, Corzine and Solaris all have this in common: they practice an ethic of the survival of the fittest and the richest. Unfortunately for them, some of their wealthier friends will be rudely awakened to find JFK and Overlook hospitals even more over-crowded and inaccessible to them.

Shame on the Star Ledger for failing to do its homework on Muhlenberg, for ignoring our repeated pleas to cover the story in depth, and then writing its nasty editorial two days before The State Planning Board's final hearing.

The Ledger is obviously in bed with the State and Solaris, in spirit if not in fact.

This is the shoddiest form of journalism that I have seen in this newspaper.

They will probably not print my title and office, as they refused to do so a few weeks ago in a letter by Rev. Sarah Colvin (my wife) and myself.

Rev. James Colvin
Pastor
United Church of Christ
Plainfield, NJ

_________________________

Full text of the Star-Ledger editorial, Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Original can be found here.

OPINION

A satellite-hospital solution

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Keeping the emergency room open when a hospital closes is a logical solution for those needing quick help. That is what the state Department of Health and Senior Services recommends for Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield, and it's a suggestion that should be accepted.

Muhlenberg -- which is expected to run an $18 million deficit this year -- is among the latest in a string of New Jersey hospitals seeking state permission to close.

Some community groups are fighting to maintain a full-service hospital in Plainfield, citing the long distances to the nearest hospitals. Unfortunately, history teaches that once a hospital's owners throw in the towel, resuscitation is not realistic. The satellite emergency department option -- with proper arrangements for transferring patients to full-service hospitals when necessary -- could be the best option for many of the communities destined to lose their hospitals.

In October, for example, Overlook Hospital in Summit took over the Union Hospital emergency department when Union closed. The Union emergency department sees about 60 patients a day, close to what Union had been averaging when it was a fully operating hospital. The emergency room typically sends four patients a day to Overlook for admission.

There's some irony in that the emergency room, traditionally a financial loser, is paying for itself under this arrangement. The unit has delivered babies and stabilized patients suffering cardiac emergencies and strokes and transferred these people to full- service hospitals. It also has treated patients who walked in and out on their own.

Patients at Union's satellite department usually see a doctor within 15 minutes of arrival. That kind of timing, compared with the long waits often associated with emergency rooms, could be the key to whether these programs succeed. They get the job done more quickly because they do not have to wait to share key equipment or personnel with inpatient operations.

Elsewhere, the Adventis HealthCare group built a free-standing emergency room in Germantown, Md., to serve a rapidly growing, traffic-congested area. It quickly attracted 5,000 more patients a year than expected. Adventis officials say short waits and the 24-hour, no-appointment convenience attracted many patients, including those with the insurance and cash to see private doctors if they chose.

It remains to be seen whether the same will happen in urban communities with large indigent populations and chronic health care needs, such as Newark, where two hospitals have closed.

This is not the solution for every dying hospital. All communities will benefit from accepting the inevitable, instead of fighting it, and allowing their hospitals to become what the communities need them to be.

Thursday vote on Muhlenberg: Buses available

2008-06-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

xxx

Muhlenberg supporters from Plainfield and surrounding communities who wish to attend Thursday's Health Planning Board meeting in East Windsor can take a bus.

Round-trip bus transportation is available from Randolph Road and Park Ave., Plainfield at 8 AM on Thursday morning The bus fee is $15 round-trip.

Those wishing to testify on Thursday must phone the Department of Health and Senior Services beforehand. Call: (800) 367-6593 or (609) 292-7837.

For those who are driving down, more information and map/directions are HERE.

Meeting of the State Health Advisory Commission
Thursday June 26, 2008
9:30 AM - 2 PM
Topic: The Proposed Closing of Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield,New Jersey
Location: The Holiday Inn, 399 Monmouth St., East Windsor, NJ

Trinitas pinches pennies

2008-06-23T05:13:00.001-07:00

Just when you were trying to get your arms around the notion of having to deal with using Trinitas hospital in Elizabeth, comes a front-page story in today's Ledger about trimming costs -- including limiting ketchup packets with patient meals.

Exhibit No. 1? Trinitas.

Read more here: "As costs spiral, hospitals watching their pennies".

Brian Fertig letter; Street Theater slideshow

2008-06-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Muhlenberg physician Dr. Brian Fertig has a letter in the LEDGER's 'Union Forum' section in Sunday's edition (Union County section, page 33), but you'll have to buy the hard copy to read it as it is not online.

Dan Damon has posted a slideshow of pictures from the Street Theater rally of Thursday, June 19.

See here: "Slideshow: Save Muhlenberg Street Theater".

Text of Nancy Piwowar's full-page ad

2008-06-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

The complete text of Nancy Piwowar's full-page ad in support of Muhlenberg that appeared in Friday's Courier (print edition ONLY) has been posted on Plainfield Today.

Read more here: "Text: Nancy Piwowar's full-page ad in support of Muhlenberg"

Board votes on Muhlenberg next week

2008-06-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

This week's Suburban News reminds readers of the State Health Planing Board's meeting next week to vote on recommendations re: closing Muhlenberg.

Read more here: "Hospital hearing is set for June 26"

Nancy Piwowar: Open Letter to the Muhlenberg Community

2008-06-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

Plainfield activist and Muhlenberg supporter Nancy Piwowar has run a full-page ad -- "An Open Letter to the Muhlenberg Community" -- in today's Courier.

You can find it in the print edition ONLY -- page B-8.

The letter is a heartfelt appeal to the state to reconsider closing Muhlenberg, paid for at Nancy's own expense.

You will NOT want to miss it. -- Dan

Editorial: Delay Muhlenberg closure

2008-06-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

Stop the rubberstamping!

So says the Courier in today's editorial.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg closure should be delayed".

Letter: Retired accountant calls for audit of Solaris

2008-06-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

Audit Solaris.

So says John Gostel of Edison, a retired accountant, in a letter in today's Courier.

Read more here: "Run an audit on Solaris to check on its business sense".

Courier: Supporters rally again with Street Theater

2008-06-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

The Courier's Brandon Lausch has a page-one story today on yesterday's 'Street Theater' rally in support of Muhlenberg.

Read more here: "Last ditch effort to save hospital".

I'll be putting up a slideshow of pictures from the event. -- Dan

Letter of Gerri Heydt: Needy feel brunt, but all affected

2008-06-20T05:46:00.001-07:00

Gerri Heydt, president of the Van Wyck Brooks Association, had a letter in the Courier recently, which was inadvertently overlooked.

Read it here: "Needy feel brunt of hospital closing, but all will be affected"

My apologies. -- Dan

Ledger: Report calls for closing Muhlenberg

2008-06-20T05:39:00.000-07:00

In today's Ledger, Alexi Friedman writes of the DHSS staff recommendations concerning the Muhlenberg closure.

Read more here: "Report calls for closing hospital".

Online Exclusive: State's Muhlenberg Closure Conditions

2008-06-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

You can view ONLINE HERE the complete document setting out the state's recommendations on the proposed Muhlenberg closure at Plainfield Today. Thanks are due to Nancy Piwowar and another Muhlenberg supporter (who cannot be named) for providing the complete document.

Today's Courier covers the matter with a front-page story. Read more here: "State recommends Muhlenberg closure".

Using 'Street Theater' to promote Muhlenberg cause

2008-06-18T05:27:00.000-07:00

Crutches from Muhlenberg helped Nancy Piwowar in 1974 .

'Save Muhlenberg' activists will be trying out a new approach to getting their message out tomorrow (Thursday) on a vacant lot on Randolph Road, across from the main entrance driveway.

Those of us who can remember the 1960s may be put in mind of "guerilla theater" or "street theater", both popular ways of getting a social message out in those flamboyant days.

More power to them!

Read more here: "Protesters try theater to save hospital"

Closure aftermath: Longer ER waits, diminished care

2008-06-17T04:44:00.000-07:00

Closing hospitals puts extra burdens on ERs, particularly lengthening wait times and diminishing the quality of care, as reported in the Herald News, an edition of the Bergen Record that serves Paterson and Passaic County.

Read more here: "As hospitals close, ER wait time rises"

Note: If you are interested in this story for future reference, save a copy to your hard drive. The Bergen Record has recently adopted a policy of charging for stories more than a week old -- $1.95 per story. -- Dan

Three from the Record-Press News

2008-06-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Star-Ledger's parent company, Advance Communications, also publishes several New Jersey weeklies -- including the Suburban News.

Here are three from the Record-Press News (the online version of the Suburban News), which serves central Union County, passed along by a reader --

"Hospital's closing would put stress on patients, squads"

"Westfield Council drafts solution to support Muhlenberg"

"Crowd packs Muhlenberg Hearing, Board to vote later this month"

Dr. Brian Fertig blasts state in Courier

2008-06-15T07:56:00.001-07:00

At the state's May hearing at PHS.

Dr. Brian Fertig lets loose in an opinion piece in today's Courier, flaying the state for not putting forth solutions for the Muhlenberg crisis.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg solutions not forthcoming from state"

Muhlenberg vote set for June 26

2008-06-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

Holiday Inn is off Turnpike Exit 8.

Both the Courier and the Ledger carry details this morning on the meeting and vote expected to seal Muhlenberg's fate.

Read more here:

Courier: "Board sets June 26 recommendation meeting on Muhlenberg's future"
Ledger: "N.J. health panel to vote on closing of hospital"

Get directions here: "Holiday Inn, East Windsor"

Alma Cruz questions future of midwifery program

2008-06-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

Plainfield activist Alma Cruz has a letter to the editor in today's Courier, expressing her frustrations over unanswered questions surrounding pregnant clients of the Plainfield Health Center and the future of its midwifery program.

Read more here: "Changes in Plainfield come up short for community".

Hospital funding weighed by legislators

2008-06-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

Today's Ledger reports that efforts are under way to restore SOME of the hospital funding the Corzine budget proposes to cut.

Read more here: "Plan weighed for hospital funding".

A. Not enough.
B. No mention of Muhlenberg.

Get those support letters in!

2008-06-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

This passed along from the 'Save Muhlenberg' campaign --

We encourage everyone to write a letter to demand that the Muhlenberg Hospital remain open as a full service hospital. Please send by June 10th, 2008 to ensure receipt by the State deadline of June 12.

We appreciate everyone's support and hard work!!!

All testimony/comments must be received by June 12, 2008, at the following address:

NJ Department of Health and Senior Services
Office of Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Market and Warren Streets
P. O. Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

Muhlenberg shutdown delayed

2008-06-07T04:13:00.000-07:00

Today's Courier has TWO items of interest.

Most importantly, Solaris has pushed back the closing of Muhlenberg, saying there will be 'no layoffs' until June 27. (Funny, a friend told me her last day was Thursday.)

See more here: "Muhlenberg shutdown delayed two weeks".

The Courier also editorialized about the closing delay being a tiny step in the right direction.

Read the editorial here: "Muhlenberg delay shows good timing".