Following conditional endorsements from Princeton Township and its regional health commission, the University Medical Center at Princeton’s move received two more votes of support in the weeks leading up to the January 4 meeting to decide whether the state will grant the move its necessary certificate of need. ##M:[more]##
Department of Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs will decide on the certificate of need, but according to a project summary and analysis released by the state, the department’s staff will recommend that Jacobs grant the certificate, pending some conditions.
“Department staff reviewed and concluded that [UMCP’s] rationale to relocate rather than renovate the existing facility is a sound and well thought out strategy for planning for future community needs,” says the report.
The recommendation comes with a suggestion to continue to operate an emergency room in the hospital’s current location on Witherspoon Street. It asks that a transportation plan be required for the certificate to be granted.
The analysis came shortly after the Princeton Regional Health Commission endorsed a letter to the State Health Planning Board on December 19 making similar recommendations.
The PRHC letter asks Jacobs, to approve the application conditionally. The group would says conditions should be met that will assure that Princeton’s uninsured and underinsured are provided access and fair treatment at the facility.
