About 50 docs, nurses, technicians and community members took took to the street in front of Mountainside Hospital Tuesday afternoon to clamor for local control of the hospital, which is up for sale with a Friday bidding deadline. Yesterday's protestors represented a local group of community members who want to buy the hospital from Atlantic Health Systems.

Mountainside's official PR people, meanwhile, used the opportunity to hand out a news release:

Florham Park, NJ, May 9, 2006 -- As Joseph Trunfio, CEO of Atlantic Health System, has maintained throughout the process of seeking new ownership for Mountainside Hospital, there are no plans to close this hospital. On the contrary Mr. Trunfio has repeatedly said, Atlantic Health System's aim is to see Mountainside continue as an acute care facility serving this community.

Said Trunfio, "We join with our neighbors in seeking new operators of the facility who will be able to ensure the successful continuation of quality patient care and service while establishing and maintaining a fiscally responsible institution. This is a goal that will best serve patients and their families, other area residents and our skilled and committed employees."

In addition to Community Friends of Mountainside, the local group, St. Joe's in Paterson and Cathedral Health Group of Newark are planning to submit bids.

May 11, 2006 in Civic Virtue | Permalink