Pallone: December 4 Hearing is Last Shot to Stop RWJ Barnabas from Closing Monmouth Medical Center Hospital

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. is telling residents in the clearest possible terms that next Thursday, December 4 at 10am is the final public meeting before the state decides whether RWJ Barnabas can close Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) hospital in Long Branch.

Pallone reminded residents of the chaos surrounding earlier hearings about MMC’s closure. “One hearing was announced without the full notice required under state law, then canceled at the very last minute,” said Pallone. “Another was held outside of Long Branch in a room so small that almost every seat was taken by RWJ Barnabas employees while hundreds of opponents were stuck outside in the freezing cold and could not speak.”

Because of these serious problems Pallone demanded a way for area residents to testify without being pushed aside again. Last week, he pressed the state for a local option and succeeded in getting a way for residents to join the December 4th hearing from Long Branch.

“This is it,” Pallone said. “Next Thursday is the last chance for local residents to speak out against the closure of Monmouth Medical Center hospital by RWJ Barnabas. After the mess we saw at the earlier hearings it is more important than ever for people to show up and speak up. You deserve to be heard.”

The public will be able to address the State Health Planning Board virtually at the Long Branch Senior Center, 85 Second Ave beginning at 10am. The city of Long Branch is making all arrangements with the state to accomplish this, so residents can attend, or speak if they desire, in a comfortable surrounding. No one will be left outside.

Those individuals who want to attend the State Health Planning Board in-person can go to New Jersey State Police Division Headquarters, Public Health and Environmental Laboratories Auditorium, 1040 River Road, Ewing Township, NJ.