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Hudson Regional Hospital has assumed full operational control of the former CarePoint Health facilities.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Kate Stickles approved April 11 a reorganization plan to create a health care network comprised of Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus, Bayonne Medical Center, Hoboken University Medical Center and Christ Hospital in Jersey City.

CarePoint Health filed for Chapter 11 relief in November, while a merger agreement was worked out with HRH. The bankruptcy filing cited a number of factors. Among those: a dramatic increase in direct costs of operating the hospitals after the pandemic.

As NJBIZ has reported, the New Jersey Department of Health recently approved HRH as the permanent owner and operator of Bayonne Medical Center. Since, HRH has begun a series of renovations and upgrades to the facility. The bankruptcy court approval also brings BMC, Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center under Hudson Regional’s control.

The reorganization plan received consensus support to exit bankruptcy from affected parties, including the creditors committee, health care workers and the CarePoint board of trustees.

On the precipice

HRH leaders plan to create the premier health care network to serve Hudson County. Chairman Yan Moshe said that the future is bright.

“This is a threshold moment for Hudson County, as Hudson Regional Hospital can finally realize its vision of high-performing health care network with esteemed services and financial stability,” said Moshe. “Building on the health care model we established at Hudson Regional, we see a vibrant opportunity to substantially modernize facilities and practices in each location and use our new scale to deliver greater value to patients.”

Leaders also noted that an affiliated property owner will now operate each of the hospitals. This aligns with interests that had “previously created uncertainty and frustration with patients and officials,” they said.

“We fully recognize that services can, and must be improved at all three facilities,” said HRH President and CEO Dr. Nizar Kifaieh. “Our goal is simple: we want residents of all three communities as well as the surrounding area to have confidence in their community hospital. We will be working diligently to restore the trust in the health care system – and bring reliable, quality health care to the people we serve.”