Answering your questions about the closure of Monmouth Medical Center

SAVE OUR HOSPITAL!

Q: Is Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch closing?

A: RWJ Barnabas says no but what they’ve proposed actually does close the Long Branch hospital. They’ve applied to the New Jersey Department of Health to move Monmouth Medical Center’s hospital license to a new facility in Tinton Falls.

Once that license moves, Long Branch will lose its hospital status. That means no labor and delivery, no ICU, no inpatient acute care, and no major surgeries.

Q: What would be left in Long Branch?

A: A much smaller operation without overnight care, no full-service ER, and just outpatient services like same-day procedures. Even those limited services could eventually close without the hospital license.

Q: How far is Tinton Falls, and why does it matter?

A: It can take as long as 30-40 minutes from Long Branch to Tinton Falls or longer in traffic, especially in the summer. For someone in labor, or a senior in medical distress, that’s the difference between life and death. RWJ Barnabas has said they’ll offer “free rides” but you can’t take a shuttle to the ER when you’re having an emergency. That means more of a burden on ambulance services and town operated EMS that are already maxed. 

Q: Why would they move it in the first place?

A: RWJ Barnabas, a multibillion-dollar so-called nonprofit  whose CEO makes at least  $7 million a year, says it’s about modernization. But in reality they’re chasing higher-income patients and private insurance reimbursements. This is a corporate decision, not a community one. If RWJ Barnabas was serious about caring for the population in and around Long Branch they could invest in upgrades and modernization at the current hospital in Long Branch.

Q: How are local officials responding?

A: The Long Branch City Council, Neptune Township Committee, and Red Bank Borough Council have passed resolutions opposing the move. They know this will overwhelm nearby hospitals like Riverview Medical Center and create health care deserts in coastal communities.

Q: What is Congressman Pallone doing about it?

A:  I have been fighting the move from day one. I tried to show the NJ Department of Health that they could allow the hospital license to stay in Long Branch and not remove all acute care services from the city. However, they were dead set against it. But now I need your help in speaking up. We must show the Department of Health and Governor Murphy that we will not stand for taking our hospital. I caught RWJ Barnabas and the Murphy Administration trying to hold a public hearing without giving the legally required 14-day notice, and now they’ve moved the new hearing to Eatontown which is miles away from the community losing its hospital. I am calling out the Murphy Administration for ducking Long Branch residents and held an information session demanding transparency from the state.

Q: How can I get involved or speak out?

A: Attend the public hearing on November 13, 2025 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the Anne Vogel Family Care & Wellness Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Eatontown. You can also write or call the NJ Department of Health to oppose the transfer of the hospital license. And please spread the word to save our hospital. I need you to tell your story to the regulators of why closing the hospital in Long Branch will have devastating effects. 

The most important thing to come to the public hearing in person and speak out. However, comments may be submitted in writing after the hearing. All comments must be received by the State Health Planning Board no later than Thursday, November 20, 2025. Commenters are encouraged to keep their comments concise. Comments can be submitted via email to boards-councils@doh.nj.gov, with “Monmouth Public Comment” in the subject line. 

Q: Why does this matter beyond Long Branch?

A: If the state signs off on this, every hospital system in New Jersey will take note. Corporate interests can walk away from lower-income communities and build new hospitals where profits are higher. This fight is about keeping health care local and making sure hospitals serve the people who depend on them.