Monmouth Medical Center Relocation Plan Gains Key Approval, Faces Final Review
A highly contested proposal to shift many of Monmouth Medical Center’s acute care services from Long Branch has cleared a major hurdle. On Thursday, the New Jersey State Health Planning Board unanimously approved the state Department of Health’s recommendation to grant a Certificate of Need for the relocation, bringing the $800 million project one step closer to reality. Final approval now rests with Acting Health Commissioner Jeffrey A. Brown.
The plan envisions consolidating services – including labor and delivery, surgical care, and pediatrics – at a new medical facility on the Vogel Medical Campus in Tinton Falls. A spokesperson for RWJBarnabas Health, the owner of Monmouth Medical Center, expressed gratitude for the thorough review. “We thank the dedicated, expert staff at the New Jersey Department of Health for their thorough review and approval of the application, and also thank the members of our team along with our patients and families for their participation in the public hearing phase,” the spokesperson stated. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to transforming health care and bringing world-class care, advanced technologies and innovative academic medicine to all residents of Monmouth County and beyond.”
The path to this decision was not without significant public debate. The board reviewed hundreds of written comments and hosted over 10 hours of testimony, described by board member Kevin J. Slavin as the most extensive public comment process he’s “participated in or even heard about in New Jersey.” Public hearings in November and early December drew large crowds with sharply divided opinions.
Supporters of the move cited the aging infrastructure at the Long Branch facility and the need for expanded space and modern technology. Opponents, however, voiced concerns about accessibility and the potential impact on neighboring hospitals, including Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City, Ocean University Medical Center in Brick, and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank.
The board initially delayed a vote on December 4th, requesting additional information regarding transportation access, healthcare disparities, and workforce planning. Addressing these concerns, Monmouth Medical Center President and CEO Eric Carney announced Thursday a commitment to provide free transportation between the current Long Branch site and the new Tinton Falls campus. He also noted the proximity of a NJ Transit stop in Fort Monmouth, approximately one mile from the Vogel Medical Campus, and pledged to collaborate with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and NJ Transit to establish bus routes serving the new facility.
Despite concerns that the relocation could worsen existing health disparities, Carney argued it would ultimately improve access to care. He pointed out that Monmouth Medical Center currently serves a patient population where 86% reside outside of Long Branch, averaging 185 inpatients daily. He also dismissed fears of overwhelming other regional hospitals, stating the center plans to actively recruit staff, including student doctors, from across the country to meet anticipated demand. Approximately 83% of existing Long Branch employees are expected to continue in their roles. “I think it ultimately will improve healthcare outcomes for our community,” Carney said.
The board appeared satisfied with the additional information presented. “This is not just a responsible plan for Monmouth County but a forward thinking one for the residents of Monmouth County and all who will benefit,” remarked Slavin, former president and CEO of St Joseph’s Health.
However, the approval is conditional. The state Department of Health has outlined 17 stipulations, including a comprehensive outreach plan to inform residents of the move, guaranteed no-charge transportation from Long Branch, prioritization of current employees for positions at the new facility, and the formation of a Community Advisory Group. The State Health Planning Board added three further conditions: the perpetual continuation of outpatient services at the Long Branch location (subject to periodic state review), documented collaboration with NJ Transit to enhance transportation options, and a commitment to invest in community public health programs focused on preventative care. Carney affirmed full agreement with all conditions.
Importantly, Monmouth Medical Center will maintain a presence in Long Branch even after the relocation. The hospital will remain open 24/7, maintaining its full-service emergency department, as well as inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, imaging services, outpatient surgery, and adaptable patient rooms capable of providing intensive care.
Despite the board’s approval, opposition remains. US Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th), a vocal critic of the plan, urged Acting Health Commissioner Brown to “do the right thing and keep Monmouth Medical Center Hospital in Long Branch open.” In a statement released Thursday, Pallone emphasized the unresolved concerns regarding access to care, transportation barriers, health disparities, and the potential strain on surrounding hospitals. “If the Commissioner were to decide to close the Long Branch hospital after all of that has been put plainly on the record, it would be a conscious decision to ignore the facts, the data, and the voices of this community,” he stated. “Long Branch deserves real health care access, not more excuses.”
