On Nov. 29 the State’s Health Planning Board will hold its 2nd and final meeting at 9:30 AM in the East Windsor at the Holiday Inn National Conference Center, located at 399 Monmouth St. Final comments will be heard as to whether or not a new 128-bed hospital should reopen at the Pascack Valley Hospital (PVH) site in Westwood. TO READ MORE, click here
November 15, 2011
January 10, 2011
Fate dependent on others?
The mood is gloomy as area residents look to the prospects for a hospital returning to Westwood. Since last posting in September, HUMC, Valley and Englewood Hospitals have filed briefs in their ongoing legal dance to influence those prospects. (The Department of Justice, representing the Department of Health, requested an extension to Feb. 9th for their brief filing.) Yet, just in case HUMC’s legal efforts crash and burn, which seems likely, they are seeking a ‘Certificate of Need’ call from the Department of Health to address the debated hospital’s need in Pascack Valley.
February 8, 2010
Public Need vs. Money and Politics
The pro and con forces are currently battling the legal nuances of which court has jurisdiction over the tentatively expired certificate of need (CN). Its’ expiration was an administrative decision made by the former Health Commissioner Heather Howard. A decision made through the intentional failure to act on authorizing an extension to the Pascack Valley Hospital’s CN. She chose not to accommodate Hackensack University Medical Center’s (HUMC) request as it seeks to reopen a small hospital, placing politics over people. TO READ MORE, click here
December 6, 2009
Hope and Time
Valley Hospital generates profits and builds its surplus as it prepares to expand in their allegedly harsh economic environment. Englewood Hospital burns cash while it seeks a business model that can survive in its market location. Together they’re embracing the law of nature, viewing Hackensack Hospital’s proposal to reopen a hospital in Westwood as a threat to their survival; the perceived need of the public not withstanding. TO READ MORE, click here
September 29, 2009
Hospitals, Business and Need (5)
The State’s Report projected a slower growth in the population as compared to the nation, noting a shift to an older age group in the 45-64 range. This was just one data aspect the Report considered as it assessed the State’s underlying demographics. It used demographics to evaluate the population trend, project hospital utilization, and the future of health care needs in NJ. TO READ MORE, click here
September 22, 2009
Hospitals, Business and Need (4)
‘Bed capacity,’ Valley and Englewood’s battle cry for market share. But it holds different meanings based upon the perspective from which it’s approached. On a national level it is viewed as a motivator for unnecessary care, or supply-sensitive care. TO READ MORE, click here
September 15, 2009
Hospitals, Business and Need (3)
Each of the area hospitals is different. Each has its own management priorities and scope of services that adapts to its patient population and community characteristics. It is a factor highlighted within each hospital by their mix of licensed beds (Medical/Surgical, Obstetrics & OB/GYN, Pediatrics, ICU/CCU). Therefore when excess bed capacity is discussed, one might ask where the excess beds exist and which type of bed is available? TO READ MORE, click here
September 1, 2009
Hospitals, Business and Need (1)
What is the primary role of hospitals in New Jersey’s public health policy? The State’s report assumes they’re part of a health system. A ‘system’ that theoretically would be proactive in cultivating an environment where ‘all residents‘ have access to health care resources, regardless of any socioeconomic concerns. TO READ MORE, click here
June 2, 2009
Opposition Babbles On
Valley and Englewood continue their efforts to oppose a new hospital in Westwood. They recently did another mailer (Click HERE to read) to area residents that repeats their rhetoric. And while some pro-hospital supporters may think it doesn’t matter, be assured, it will be that kind of over confidence that will play to the opposition’s advantage. TO READ MORE, click here
April 21, 2009
Money vs. Accessibility
Valley and Englewood continue their rhetoric declaring the sky will fall if HUMC North is allowed to replace Pascack Valley Hospital (PVH) in Westwood. Their expressions of distress, to be polite, are hypocritical at best. TO READ MORE, click here
April 6, 2009
NonProfit Profit
Mike Kelly, a columnist for the Record, offered in his (April 2nd Column) an editorial on the state of affairs in New Jersey’s hospitals. It revolves around, “a persistent worry by local hospitals about losing money.” Unfortunately the column appears to be based more on Valley and Englewood’s rhetoric then any substantive facts. TO READ MORE, click here
March 24, 2009
Hospital Bankruptcy
Since Pascack Valley’s bankruptcy, there have been questions about bankruptcy within the perspective of a hospital as a non-profit. This type of corporate structure has a number of distinct characteristics based upon its services, tax-exempt status and integration within a community. TO READ MORE, click here
December 3, 2008
Bed Count or Management
We’re told cost accessible healthcare in Bergen County is dependent on bed count. Traditional supply and demand business theory suggests that pricing would be relational, similar to what we’re experiencing in the oil industry today. Based upon what we each pay for healthcare, apparently excess beds doesn’t mean better pricing in healthcare. But then again — neither will fewer beds. TO READ MORE, click here
