The Record
Thursday, July 16, 2009
BY LINDY WASHBURN and MARY JO LAYTON

Hackensack University Medical Center asked the state to hold off a decision about whether to reopen a hospital in Westwood because it learned the health department’s staff was ready to recommend the application be denied, political and health care sources said.

Rather than risk rejection by the State Health Planning Board at its July 23 meeting, Hackensack pulled its proposal off the board’s agenda for up to six months.

The hospital — accustomed to victories at every turn in the battle to reopen Pascack Valley Hospital — needs time to address some concerns, particularly the potential financial impact a hospital in Westwood would have on Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. Financial impact is a key factor in the health commissioner’s decision on whether to allow the proposed 128-bed community hospital to open.

In the aftermath of the sudden delay, Hackensack’s acting chief executive, Robert C. Garrett has scheduled several public appearances, reached out to local politicians, and planned a mailing to residents to reaffirm the hospital’s commitment to the project.

The medical center hopes to get “back on track” with the state review process soon, he said. Its commitment has “never wavered.”

Nevertheless, the timing of the decision, after several recent setbacks for Hackensack, touched off speculation that it was politically motivated.

In the last few months, the medical center’s reputation was damaged by the bribery scandal and conviction of former state Sen. Joseph Coniglio, a part-time hospital consultant, and the sudden departure of its influential and well-connected president, John Ferguson. This week, the hospital’s credit rating was lowered a notch, as analysts commented that the Pascack Valley project would require cash and executive time when several other pressing projects were under way.

Read the complete article at northjersey.com