NJDOH to Hold Heights Hospital Hearing Despite Operator's Delay Request

State officials say the April 15 public hearing will proceed as scheduled, despite Hudson Regional Health seeking a postponement.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph of a hospital bed frame, with the intricate internal structure glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the fragility and vulnerability of the local healthcare system.A public hearing on the future of a shuttered community hospital highlights the critical need for transparency and resident input in healthcare decisions.Jersey City Today

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) will hold a public hearing on April 15 at the shuttered Heights University Hospital in Jersey City, despite the former operator, Hudson Regional Health (HRH), requesting a delay. State officials have confirmed the hearing will go on as planned, citing legal requirements for timely public input.

Why it matters

The closure of Heights University Hospital has been a major concern for the Jersey City community, with local leaders and activists fighting to keep the facility open. This hearing is a critical opportunity for residents to voice their needs and perspectives as the state considers the future of healthcare access in the Heights neighborhood.

The details

HRH, which acquired the Heights University Hospital facility through CarePoint Health's bankruptcy proceedings, had sent an email to the Jersey City Council seeking to postpone the April 15 public hearing. However, the NJDOH has clarified that the hearing will proceed as scheduled, as state law requires a public hearing within 30 days of an application being deemed complete, with at least two weeks' advance notice. Given the timeline, there is not enough time to reschedule the hearing and provide proper notice.

  • The NJDOH's public hearing at Heights University Hospital is scheduled for April 15, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • HRH's application for a certificate of need was deemed complete by the NJDOH on March 20, 2025.

The players

New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)

The state agency responsible for overseeing healthcare facilities and services in New Jersey.

Hudson Regional Health (HRH)

The former operator of Heights University Hospital, which acquired the facility through CarePoint Health's bankruptcy proceedings.

Tom Zuppa

Ward C Councilman in Jersey City, who has been advocating for the community's need to keep the Heights University Hospital open.

Jake Ephros

Ward D Councilman in Jersey City, who also represents the Heights neighborhood and is mobilizing the community to attend the NJDOH hearing.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy to see that the Department of Health will not entertain HRH in its delay tactic in postponing the meeting for public input. Our residents' lives are at stake and they cannot wait.”

— Tom Zuppa, Ward C Councilman

“The Ward D City Council Office is going to be turning people out to the April 15th meeting and make sure the community's voice is heard at that meeting.”

— Jake Ephros, Ward D Councilman

What’s next

The NJDOH public hearing at Heights University Hospital will be held on April 15, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All members of the public are welcome to attend and provide input on the future of healthcare access in the Heights neighborhood.

The takeaway

The NJDOH's decision to proceed with the public hearing despite HRH's delay request underscores the urgency of the community's need for continued healthcare services at the Heights University Hospital. Local leaders are mobilizing residents to ensure their voices are heard as the state considers the facility's future.