The Newark Municipal Council
Office of Council Member Anibal Ramos, Jr.

For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 11, 2007

Contact: Owen Petrie — (973) 930-1207

Ramos Glad Columbus Hospital to Continue to Serve Community

NEWARK — Columbus Hospital sat gamely on the chopping block, its fate presumably sealed by its exclusion from the sale of Cathedral Healthcare System’s Newark hospitals (St. James & St. Michaels) to Catholic Health East. The economic reality of the day meant that Columbus wouldn’t survive if it weren’t going to be part of the CHE network. Fortunately for Columbus Hospital and Newark residents, CHE has decided to include Columbus in the sale after further consideration.

According to Newark Municipal Council Member, Anibal Ramos, Jr., Columbus Hospital, located in the North Ward of New Jersey’s largest city, holds a unique position essential to the fabric and well being of the community. “I am glad to see that Cathedral Healthcare recognizes the viability of Columbus Hospital,” Ramos said.

“Columbus Hospital is part of what makes Newark special. For many residents, it is the only medical facility that they’ve known, and that includes the doctors, nurses and other personnel who work there. However, it is important to note that there are still some hurdles that need to be cleared. Until the fate of the hospital is definitively settled I will do everything I can to encourage CHE to retain such an important contributor to the health and well being of the citizens of Newark,” Ramos explained.

The sale of the properties is in the second phase of due diligence, according to Scot Share, Vice President of Communications at Cathedral Health East. While that is a favorable circumstance as far as the sale goes, the process of finalizing the sale is still months away. Councilman Ramos takes nothing for granted. “While I am optimistic, nothing is fait accompli. I take nothing for granted and won’t be satisfied until the transaction is one hundred percent complete. My hat is off to those who are working in the community, the hospital and the corporations to get the job done,” Ramos said.