For Immediate Release

POP-IN HOSPITAL VISITS PROVIDE EVIDENCE THAT COLUMBUS HOSPITAL MUST MAINTAIN SERVICES

Newark Councilman Ramos, CHE Steering Committee Members Prepare for Wednesday’s Meeting

Newark, NJ – March 25, 2008 – After making pop-in hospital visits to Clara Maass Medical Center, and University Hospital (UMDNJ), legislators are positive that Catholic Healthcare East (CHE), the new owners of Columbus Hospital, must maintain emergency services at that location well after the hospital closes.

North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, and Senator Teresa Ruiz are part of a steering committee that was formed in partnership with CHE to ensure residents of Newark continue to receive quality health care after the closing of two Newark hospitals, St. James Hospital and Columbus Hospital.

The trio plans to report their findings at the next steering committee’s meeting on Wednesday, March 26th at 3pm at the Newark Municipal Council Conference Room.

“We were able to physically visit the expansion that is underway at Clara Maass and it is obvious after speaking to administrators there that Clara Maass needs that expansion to help service its existing growth,” says Ramos. “We really must press the issue that Columbus Hospital maintains a 24-hour satellite emergency room well after the acute care services are terminated at that location.”

The State’s cuts in hospital charity care also concerns the legislators. “Some of the State’s hospitals are losing as much as 30-percent in charity care,” says Ralph Caputo.

After speaking with administrators at University Hospital, Councilman Ramos is concerned that a disproportionate amount of residents may be sent to University because other neighboring hospitals may not have the resources to service patients who are under-insured or uninsured.

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For more information contact Sakina Cole at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and 973.733.4341 or 973.609.2445