The proposed relocation of University Medical Center at Princeton to Plainsboro was given official approval by State Department of Health Senior Services Commissioner Dr. Fred M. Jacobs on February 9. The fate of the move is now in the hands of the Plainsboro Planning Board, which will meet on Tuesday, March 13.##M:[more]##
Princeton HealthCare System, the company that owns the hospital, hopes to open the new facility on Route 1 and Plainsboro Road by 2010. The facility, planned for the site currently occupied by FMC, is intended to include 269 beds, medical offices, a long term care facility, a public park, and affordable housing.
Jacobs granted the approval subject to conditions. PHCS is required to establish a transportation system for patients who would be able to use the current hospital, but lack means of getting to the new location. The company must also open a community health care information center in the neighborhood of the current hospital on Witherspoon Street. The outpatient clinic will be required to expand its hours of operation.
“As we go forward with the next phase of the relocation effort, we remain committed to the principle of community communications and collaboration that guided us during the certificate of need process and for which we received much praise from the state health officials,” said PHCS CEO Barry S. Rabner.
