Muhlenberg: Courier drops ball today

With the state's hearing on Solaris' proposed closure of Plainfield's Muhlenberg hospital set for 6PM this evening at PHS, today's Courier is filled up with an editorial and five significant letters to the editor. Fine piece of community coverage.

But not online.

Supporters of Muhlenberg will have to hustle their print editions, as the Courier does not have the coverage online as of 9:00 AM.

Here's what you'll find:

Editorial: "Muhlenberg's fate still could be altered"
Letters --

• Annie McWilliams & Adrian Mapp: "Hospital's salvation comes through insurance"
• Gail Georges, RN: "Muhlenberg is part of community fabric"
• Robert Lauer, PhD, MD: "Muhleberg's demise will jeopardize lives"
• Nancy Piwowar: "Will Somerset Medical be hurt by closure?"
• Linda Simms: "Green's planning will help public adjust"

Will put them up later if they appear online.

Looks like Plainfield and central Jersey's fabled morning paper is becoming its mid-morning paper. How's that help circulation?

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-- Dan Damon

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Letter: Muhlenberg closing would devastate Plainfield

South Plainfield resident Robert Buck has a letter in the Courier about the effects a closure would have on Plainfield and the surrounding communities.

Read more here: "Hospital closing would be devastating blow to community".

Muhlenberg update from Dottie Gutenkauf

From: Dottie Gutenkauf

Date: May 4, 2008 5:21:07 PM EDT

Subject: Muhlenberg Update--May 4, 2008--please share!

Well, the time has finally arrived!

We who care about keeping Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center open as a full-service acute care hospital will finally have a chance to tell state officials what we think about Solaris' proposal to close it so they can "strengthen" JFK Hospital in Edison.

The State Health Planning Board has scheduled its public hearing for Tuesday, May 6, from 6 to 8 pm in the Plainfield High School auditorium (950 Park Avenue). If you haven't already signed up to testify, you can still do so by calling the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services at 609-292-7874 or by emailing DoHSS staffer Jamie Hernandez at jamie.hernandez@doh.state.nj.us. The list is long--but put your name on it anyway; you can always cede your time to someone else or submit a written statement either at the hearing or by mail to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, P.O. Box 360, Trenton, New Jersey 08625.. The deadline for receiving written comments is Tuesday, May 13th.

The hearing will begin promptly at 6 pm and end promptly at 8. Each speaker is allowed three (3) minutes--that's only 180 seconds--and elected officials are called on first. Then, the rest of us will have our chance. Those preparing to testify include leaders not only from Plainfield but from surrounding communities served by Muhlenberg, representing area clergy, community organizations, local businesses, medical professionals, the educational community, and concerned citizens.

Think of the impact closing Muhlenberg will have on residents of the Plainfield area...on our health care...our economy...our children...our community.... our visitors... all of us. We are in critical condition, and Muhlenberg is much too important to be used as a political football.

Please come out on Tuesday to show your support for keeping Muhlenberg open and serving our community--the life you save may be your own!

Dottie Gutenkauf

Hearing details, editorial and more today

Today's Courier, both print and online, has a number of items about the upcoming (Tuesday) state public hearing and and editorial on what Solaris owes the community.

Check it all out over at Dan Damon's Plainfield Today. See here: "Muhlenberg much in the news today".

Will Somerset save Muhlenberg?

Ken Bateman, CEO of Somerset Medical Center makes the front page of today's Courier with a proposal that might -- just might -- save Muhlenberg.

Is it all smoke-and-mirrors?

Read more here: "Green urges Somerset MC to save Muhlenberg".

Courier reveals earlier, missed opportunity to save Muhlenberg

In a front-page story (not online yet, unfortunately), today's Courier reveals that Assemblyman Jerry Green and Mayor Robinson-Briggs had an earlier opportunity to save Muhlenberg, but apparently failed to act.

Dan Damon blogs on the matter at Plainfield Today.

See more here: "Green, Robinson-Briggs failed to take up earlier option to save Muhlenberg".

Letter: More time needed for Muhlenberg buyer

Maria Pellum of the Crescent Area Neighbors has a letter in today's Courier.

Read more here: "Muhlenberg negotiators need more time to find a buyer".