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Red Bank council backs resolution opposing Monmouth Medical Center move; public and hospital officials urge action
Summary
Red Bank’s borough council approved a consent-agenda resolution opposing RWJBarnabas Health’s plan to relocate Monmouth Medical Center from Long Branch, after public testimony from Hackensack Meridian Health and multiple residents urging preservation of local hospital services.
Red Bank’s borough council on Oct. 9 approved a consent-agenda resolution opposing RWJBarnabas Health’s reported plan to move Monmouth Medical Center out of Long Branch, following public comments from hospital officials and residents who warned the move would deepen regional gaps in emergency and maternity care.
Sheila Hins, vice president of operations at Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center, told the council the system and local residents “shouldn’t have to give up access to quality hospital care close to home,” saying patients forced to travel farther for emergency and maternity services will increase pressure on neighboring hospitals including Riverview. “Local residents shouldn’t have to give up access to quality hospital care close to home,” she said.
The resolution, approved as part of the consent agenda, drew support from several council members who emphasized the local reliance on Monmouth Medical Center’s services. One councilor said the hospital’s neonatal program and nearby emergency room are vital to the region and that relocating services would be “very destructive” for Long Branch and adjacent communities.
The council’s roll call approved the consent-agenda block of resolutions, which included the hospital measure. The council also noted a public hearing being organized by RWJBarnabas Health for Oct. 29 at Ocean Place Resort for community input on the proposal.
The matter remains advisory: the borough’s resolution expresses opposition and urges retention of services but does not legally prevent a private health system’s corporate decision. Council members and hospital speakers framed the resolution as a regional advocacy step intended to preserve local access to care while urging residents to engage with upcoming hearings.
The council did not vote on any statutory changes or binding measures related to hospital ownership at the meeting; the resolution is a statement of the borough’s position. Staff and council urged residents to attend the Oct. 29 hearing and other forums where hospital representatives will accept public comment.
The council adjourned after completing the agenda.
