Hoboken Hospital Still Hasn't Fixed Air Conditioning, Despite Heat Wave

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken city officials received new complaints about the cooling situation at Hoboken University Medical Center amid last week's heat wave, a city spokeswoman said.

The cooling system had already failed amid 88-degree temperatures back in May. At the time, an outdoor "temporary chiller system" was installed to help, said a spokesperson for the 163-year-old hospital.

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Last week, when temperatures approached 100, the same system was employed, said Vijay Chaudhuri of Hudson Regional Health.

But city officials traveled to the hospital this week to check the temperature, they said.

"The city is actively monitoring the situation following residents’ concerns about temperatures at the hospital during last week’s heat wave," said city spokeswoman Marilyn Baer on Tuesday. "Mayor [Emily] Jabbour has been in frequent communication with hospital leadership and staff regarding the hospital’s cooling system since the issue began in May."

Chaudhuri said the hospital's infrastructure has not been well maintained over the years. Hudson Regional Health bought the hospital during bankruptcy proceedings a year ago. (They also took over Christ Hospital, which they closed, and Bayonne Hospital, which is receiving upgrades.)

"Yesterday, Mayor Jabbour and Public Safety Director Ferrante visited the hospital to check on the situation firsthand, and were advised that the hospital is awaiting the delivery of equipment needed to address the cooling system issue," Baer told Patch on Tuesday afternoon. "In the meantime, the hospital is continuing to use temporary measures, including a chiller, portable AC units, and fans."

When asked if there's a specific timeline to fix the main cooling system, Chaudhuri did not have one.

"Parts were previously ordered to repair the extremely antiquated main chiller system, and repairs will begin promptly after receiving them," he said, "which we anticipate beginning in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the temporary chiller system will continue to have the same output as the main system."

He said the hospital is currently evaluating an overhaul of the full HVAC system and infrastructure, "and the multi-million dollar costs associated with it," along with other upgrades.

"HRH remains committed to revitalizing its facilities and enhancing clinical services," he said. "The hospital is moving forward with a number of upgrades and improvements, several of which are already underway."

He cited these planned upgrades:

• Complete renovation of the lobby

• New and upgraded patient rooms

• Renovations to the Operating Rooms

• Addition of robotic technology throughout the hospital

• New and upgraded labor and delivery department

• New upgraded pediatrics wing

• Renovations to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

• Additional clinical advancements and service line expansions

• New outpatient multispecialty clinic encompassing primary care, OB, general surgery, orthopedics, and behavioral health services.

Baer said the city has been in contact with the New Jersey Department of Health regarding resident concerns, and that officials will contineu monitoring the issue.

PRIOR REPORTING: Hoboken Hospital Air Conditioning Fails Amid Heat Wave