Perhaps trying to show that Beth Mason’s not the only one paying attention to finances at Hoboken University Medical Center, Hoboken mayoral candidate Dawn Zimmer just sent us this release. Feel free to follow up in the comments section. The release reads, in part:
Zimmer Concerned About Moody’s Report on Hospital
Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer called for immediate Council discussion of the hospital’s finances given the most recent Moody’s report (April 21, 2009) on a partial bond financing which said: “Moody’s believes while the city is not currently providing the hospital an operating subsidy, the hospital’s poor operations and the city’s debt guarantee, make the city vulnerable to such requests in the future.”
Such discussion should be scheduled for the May 6th council meeting and informed by a written response to the Moody’s report from senior Hospital officials delivered to the council as soon as possible and in-person testimony at the meeting itself.
Zimmer said: “Recent news on the spiraling flu epidemic means we all need to work together immediately to make sure that a plan for the long term financial viability of hospital services in Hoboken is in place. While many would like to see the hospital continue as a free-standing public entity, we must also explore options such as spinning the hospital off from the City and merger with a strong regional medical center.”
The Council needs to be fully briefed about the hospital’s bottom line and financial forecast for the next three years directly from the hospital’s independent auditors.
Zimmer said: “City Hall and Hoboken taxpayers are the hospital’s ultimate “banker” and constant oversight of the hospital’s operations, finances and quality is imperative.”