Department of Health Allows Applications for New Hospital in Bergen County

The fight for a fully functioning acute care hospital in Westwood moved forward Friday when the state Department of Health and Senior Services approved a asking that a new hospital be considered.

HUMC, which currently operates an on the former Pascack Valley Hospital site, has been trying to open a full service hospital in the borough for years.

The decision Friday does not guarantee a new hospital will be built in Westwood, however. According to Department of Health Spokeswoman Marilyn Riley, entities wishing to construct and run a hospital in Bergen County can submit an application for a certificate of need by June 1. Complete applications will go before the State Health Planning Board, which is expected to make a recommendation to the commissioner of the Department of Health by Nov. 3. If the board finds a hospital is warranted, one application would be accepted.

HUMC President and CEO Bob Garrett said the hospital intends to file a certificate of need application with the state department.

"This is a very, very positive outcome," Garrett said. "We're very much looking forward to submitting our application and making our case in front of the Board of Health."

According to Garrett, the HUMC application will include information about demographics, the aging population and the need for additional acute care services in Bergen County. He said it will also point out that reopening a hospital on the former Pascack Valley site will revitalize the area economy, creating hundreds of new jobs and help correct a physician shortage.

Westwood Mayor John Birkner Jr., who has been a staunch supporter of reopening a hospital in the borough, said he was "thrilled" but not surprised by the news.

"I expected it because it just makes so much sense," he said. "The need has been clearly expressed by all of the residents that have taken the time out to convey their stories to be part of the process to call for this application."

But not all want to see a new hospital in the county. Spokeswoman Megan Fraser for The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood said research shows there isn't a need for a new hospital.

"The five hospitals serving the county have ample capacity and the amount of available hospital beds has grown as a result of a decline in hospital admissions," she said. "Further, demand for healthcare services has declined and will continue to decline as a result of healthcare reform."

The opposition hasn't discouraged area leaders, however. "Anybody that's opposed to this hospital better be prepared for a fight," Birkner said.

Birkner said residents who were anxious about a new hospital opening before are now angry that the process has taken so long.

Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk, who has an office in Westwood, said she too was disappointed the process has taken so long.

"While this moves us one step closer to reopening the former Pascack Valley Hospital, it is still a profound shame that we are forced to go through this lengthy process because of the legal roadblocks set up by the former Corzine Administration," said Vandervalk. "I am pleased that Governor Christie continues to recognize the health needs of the Pascack Valley/Northern Valley areas."

Garrett said he appreciated the continuous support HUMC has gotten from residents, emergency responders and community leaders. "The have been very solid and supportive all the way through," he said.