Hudson Regional Hospital and CarePoint Health combining to form Hudson Health System
Taken from the Hudson County View
By John Heinis
January 12, 2024
Once rivals fighting over who would operate three local hospitals, Hudson Regional Hospital and CarePoint Health have agreed to terms to combine and form Hudson Health System.
The principals of the new network signed a letter of intent on Thursday that is the precursor to a new organizational structure and operating plan which will require approval from the New Jersey State Department of Health.
Hudson Health System will be a four-hospital network including Hudson Regional Hospital, Bayonne Medical Center, Hoboken University Medical Center and Christ Hospital in Jersey City.
“Since entering this marketplace in 2018 our team has driven a patient-focused mission that incorporates technology and engages leading healthcare professionals to deliver care under a new model,” Yan Moshe, the HRH chair who will be chair of Hudson Health System, said in a statement.
“I am excited to bring our proven tack record and experienced team in partnership with Dr. Moulick to build a high quality, stable health care system that the county deserves. We are all committed to bringing top quality care, physicians and efficient operations that will allow us to achieve those goals. We are grateful to Mayor Fulop and other Hudson County elected officials for their critical role in envisioning a new network that would allow these facilities and healthcare professionals to reach their potential.”
The new system will continue both Hudson Regional Hospital’s and CarePoint Health’s demonstrated commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare for local residents.
The system will include both nonprofit and for profit hospitals in an innovative new model, and it will continue to be in-network with all major insurance carriers.
“Hudson County is the most diverse and dynamic community in New Jersey, and its residents deserve nothing less than exceptional care, affordable access, the most advanced specialties and technology, and the highest caliber physicians to serve patients’ needs, especially the underserved communities that rely on our facilities,” added CarePoint President and CEO Dr. Achintya Moulick, who will be President and CEO of Hudson Health System.
“Yan Moshe has shown the type of innovative leadership that will allow us to thrive in an ever changing healthcare environment, and with adequate state support I believe we can build a hospital system that will deliver on its core mission.”
The move comes shortly after CarePoint announced significant financial woes, indicating that they would need $130 million on state funding to continue operating “at an optimal pace.”
This also came after several vendors filed lawsuits for non-payment. Now, the hope is this new venture will put any financial difficulties in the rear view.
“It became clear over the last several months that Hudson County had an opportunity to create a dynamic new healthcare model. There is no greater priority than the health of our residents, and we convened the operators of our major hospitals together to create a platform that would assure quality care and enduring stability,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate.
“I am pleased to say that the discussions on all sides were driven by a shared commitment to the interests of the patients. It is a complex undertaking to blend facilities and cultures and managements, but out of this effort we have arrived at an admirable place: Hudson County is now a leader in community-focused care.”
State Senators Angela McKnight (D-31), Raj Mukherji (D-32), and Joe Lagana (D-38), as well as Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla also spoke in favor of the move.
“Improving the quality of our health care options and delivering better patient outcomes in Hudson County is critically important, and I’m committed to working with our team, my fellow elected officials and state leaders to ensure that my constituents’ needs are best served,” Guy noted.
HRH and CarePoint have been at odds since June 2020, which has included some litigation with some bold accusations – for example alleging that the Jersey City Medical Center has been colluding with HRH to put CarePoint out of business.
Now, as a result of the deal, all pending litigation will be dismissed.
Health Professionals & Allied Employees (HPAE) President Debbie White came out in support as well.
“HPAE is in favor of solutions to keep these vital hospitals open to protect the essential services they provide to members of the communities they serve and their patients. This needs to be a fair and transparent process that protects all stakeholders, including the dedicated men and women who work at these facilities,” she said in a statement.
CarePoint owns the Bayonne Medical Center, Hoboken University Medical Center, and Christ Hospital in Jersey City.