Jersey City hospital CEO We’re moving forward on Christ Hospital takeover

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Jersey City Medical Center‘s president and CEO said today a joint venture between parent LibertyHealth System and Community Healthcare Associates LLC is moving forward with the next steps in its process to acquire bankrupt…

Jersey City Medical Center‘s president and CEO said today a joint venture between parent LibertyHealth System and Community Healthcare Associates LLC is moving forward with the next steps in its process to acquire bankrupt Christ Hospital, also in Jersey City.

Joseph Scott said his hospital’s joint venture is preparing to go before Judge Morris Stern on Friday, as the group’s bid for Christ Hospital was selected Tuesday night. No official transfer of ownership will begin until after Friday’s hearing, depending on whether Stern approves the bid.

“There’s a couple of other things that need to happen before it gets to the bankruptcy judge on Friday, so we’re just respectful of that process — but yes, we are absolutely in it,” Scott said, careful to reiterate that the bid has not won yet.

According to a report published by the Jersey Journal, the JCMC/CHA bid was for roughly $40 million. A source close to the situation said the group’s plan to operate the Christ facility as a nonprofit, acute-care hospital for at least 30 years also played a role in the selection.

“I’m meeting with the union reps right now to see if we can’t work out a union contract before Friday,” Scott said. “We’re continuing to work on whatever the outstanding elements are we need to get done before Friday.”

“I’ve seen stranger things happen, that’s why I’m respectful of the process,” Scott said. “Friday afternoon, I’ll either be drowning in my sorrow or toasting with champagne.”