MUHLENBERG CLOSURE STATUS

Dismay but not surprise is my reaction to today's article in the Courier News regarding Muhlenberg Hospital. I could not find any mention of the report in the Star Ledger.

Since most of us have not had the opportunity to read even an summary much less than the complete 19 pages of the report an intelligent analysis is impossible.There is no mention that the staff did an in depth analysis of Solaris's financial documentations.

We can only hope that although this justifying internal report will have great impact on the State Health Planning Board's recommendation, that the Board's deviation from its standard procedures by holding extensive and prolong hearings including the planned June 26th one suggests that there will be an honest attempt to arrive at a proper recommendation .

The down side is that the State Health Planning Board only makes a non binding recommendation to the Commissioner of the state Department and Senior Services. The final decision will be political not based on human relations and health needs.

The Courier's article gives the impression that this report is the standard "grunt" justifying analysis which could be expected from a routine planned hospital closing. The article quotes Solaris's spokesman as saying "doesn't seem to be much of a concern with the recommendations". Although this was taken out of context, I would interpret it to mean that this report supports the Solaris request, which is a valid analysis.

It is true that the so called conditions recommendations are meaningless. A non operating shell has no value. The only positive action by the department would be denial of the CON, and the requirement that Solaris restore the conditions under which Muhlenberg operated in 2006.

Finally, if Kennedy itself is in financial trouble due to its over expansion, why not downsize that hospital or even close it except for the rehab unit. The population served by JFK has easier access to Rahway, Perth Amboy,New Brunswick and Muhlenberg, than does Muhlenberg's service area to any still functioning facility.