JERSEY CITY – Late Thursday night, Hudson Regional Health announced that Heights University Hospital, formerly Christ Hospital, will close its doors, stripping Jersey City’s most vulnerable residents of a critical resource for medical care less than six months after the health system assumed operations.

“This is a devastating setback for our community,” said Senator Angela V. McKnight. “Just months ago, we were assured that Heights University Hospital was on a positive path and would continue providing essential care to medically underserved residents. Now, in a matter of weeks, the entire hospital has collapsed. Staff are being laid off and left unpaid, critical options for care are being shuttered, all in a process that has been rushed, lacked full transparency, and failed to follow the law.

“Hudson Regional Health knew the severe challenges Christ Hospital faced when they acquired it, yet instead of keeping their promise to Jersey City, they are moving forward with a closure and possible plans for residential development that put profits ahead of our residents most in need.

“We must come together to ensure everyone continues to have access to care in our neighborhoods. I will continue working with city and state leaders, healthcare advocates, and community members to find alternative solutions that protect patients, support hospital staff, and preserve critical healthcare services for Jersey City.”