Jersey City Hospital Closure Hearing Postponed After Owners Withdraw Application

Hudson Regional Health says it will consider restoring healthcare services at the former Christ Hospital site, but a nurses' union remains skeptical.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:58pm

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A minimalist neon outline of a hospital building, its shape and structure defined by glowing electric lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the ongoing debate over the closure of the former Christ Hospital in Jersey City.The uncertain future of a longtime community hospital sparks a battle over healthcare access and transparency.Jersey City Today

A day before a state hearing to formally consider the closure of Christ Hospital in Jersey City, the hospital's owner, Hudson Regional Health, announced it would withdraw its application to shut down the facility. The company said it has been encouraged by recent discussions with the landlord to evaluate restoring healthcare services at the site. However, the head of the nurses' union HPAE expressed skepticism, saying the purpose of the state hearing was to allow the public to have their say on the closure.

Why it matters

The closure of Christ Hospital, which had served the Jersey City Heights community for 154 years, left a significant void for local families who depended on the facility. Jersey City officials have argued that Hudson Regional Health moved too quickly to close the hospital, and the city may consider using eminent domain to reopen it.

The details

Just a day before a scheduled state hearing on the closure, Hudson Regional Health spokesperson Vijay Chaudhuri said the company will withdraw its application to shut down the Heights University Hospital site, formerly known as Christ Hospital. Chaudhuri said the company has been encouraged by recent discussions with the landlord to evaluate restoring healthcare services at the location. However, Debbie White, the head of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) union, said the union remains committed to fighting the "illegal actions" of Hudson Regional Health and allowing the public to have their say at the state hearing.

  • Last month, Hudson Regional Health closed the Emergency Room at the 154-year-old Heights University Hospital.
  • The state Department of Health public hearing on the hospital closure was scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The players

Hudson Regional Health

The Secaucus-based company that took over three Hudson County hospitals last year during bankruptcy proceedings, including the former Christ Hospital in Jersey City.

Vijay Chaudhuri

A spokesperson for Hudson Regional Health.

Debbie White

The head of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) union.

Jake Ephros

A Jersey City councilman who represents the Heights neighborhood where Christ Hospital was located.

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What they’re saying

“HPAE remains committed to fighting for the citizens of Jersey City and condemning the illegal actions of Hudson Regional Health regarding Christ Hospital. The purpose of the New Jersey Department of Health hearing is for the public to have their say. We think with all that HRH has taken away from the community, they deserve to have their voices heard.”

— Debbie White, Head of Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) union

“When Christ Hospital closed, it left a real void for families in the Heights who depended on it.”

— Jake Ephros, Jersey City Councilman

What’s next

The state Department of Health public hearing on the hospital closure, originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2026, may be canceled due to Hudson Regional Health's decision to withdraw its application.

The takeaway

The closure of the 154-year-old Christ Hospital in Jersey City's Heights neighborhood has left a significant gap in healthcare access for local families, sparking a battle between the hospital's new owners and the community. While the owners now say they may consider restoring services, the nurses' union remains skeptical and wants the public to have their say on the hospital's future.