Listen to this articleThe health care industry encountered unprecedented challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs have tested the resilience of our system.
Even in the midst of turbulent times, New Jersey hospitals continue to provide world-class care for their patients: six hospitals are ranked among Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2024; four hospitals hold national rankings from U.S. News and World Report’s Best Hospitals by Specialty; and Leapfrog consistently ranks New Jersey among the states with the highest percentage of hospitals achieving “A” grades.
The quality of care provided to our patients remains at the heart of everything we do – and our dedicated team members ensure their care is the top priority.
Expanding access
New Jersey hospitals have stepped up time and time again to innovate and expand access to care for their communities. Health systems have made a concerted effort to bring quality care closer to – or directly into – patients’ homes.
Virtua Health was among the first systems in the nation to launch a Hospital at Home program in 2022. The program allows patients who would normally be confined to a hospital the ability to receive hospital-level care at home. Since 2022, more than 1,000 patients have been enrolled in Virtua’s program, which includes twice-daily visits from Virtua staff, remote monitoring, and video calls with clinicians.
To meet the growing need for behavioral health services, Hackensack Meridian Health recently opened a state-of-the-art, 81-bed behavioral health clinic at Raritan Bay Medical Center. The unit serves adults with both mental health and substance abuse disorders, fulfilling a need in Middlesex County and the surrounding areas.
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is expanding its emergency department by 30 beds to deliver EmPATH interventions for behavioral health care patients into a calm, therapeutic setting. The EmPATH model provides behavioral emergency patients with care in a living room setting to reduce sensory overload and create a setting for treatment and healing.
These efforts to expand access are essential to keep up with the demands of New Jersey’s unique and diverse population. Hospitals need support to continue to invest in the most urgent needs in their communities.
Addressing disparities
Every patient who walks through our hospitals’ doors should have access to safe, high-quality care, regardless of their background or circumstances. The reality is that disparities in health care access and outcomes persist – but our hospitals are committed to providing equitable treatment and support to every one of our patients.
RWJBarnabas Health is working to address the increasing rates of maternal morbidity and mortality in Black and Hispanic women. The network’s leaders created the RWJBarnabas Health OB Collaborative, which is an interdisciplinary team committed to ending preventable maternal deaths; increasing access to high-quality, equitable care; addressing social determinants of health; and ensuring that women are empowered before, during and after pregnancy through shared decision-making with physicians and all clinical team members.
Another area of health care disparity is the treatment of the LGBTQ+ patients in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The support extends through dozens of facilities – in 2024, 32 New Jersey hospitals received the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders designation from the Human Rights Campaign.
Giving back, moving forward
New Jersey hospitals are an integral part of the communities they serve. And they step up to address countless unfulfilled needs. There is no alternative to the essential services we provide, saving lives and strengthening communities. It is imperative that New Jersey’s elected leaders continue to stand behind our hospitals to build a healthier, more equitable future for our state.
As advocates for health equity and access, we commend the state budget passed last month for its commitment to investing in health care and improving the health and well-being of all New Jersey residents. We urge policymakers to continue to prioritize the health of our communities and to ensure that these critical investments are fully funded and implemented. Together, we can create a New Jersey where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Cathy Bennett is president and CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association.
