Letter Regarding Muhlenberg Commemoration

Thank you to Dottie Gutenkauf for reading this on my behalf at the Muhlenberg Commemoration.


August 11, 2010

To the residents of Plainfield, esteemed elected officials and all who have been affected by the closure of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center:

On behalf of the Plainfield City Council, I thank you for attending tonight’s commemoration, for continuing to fight for access to quality healthcare and for being the force behind your representatives as we deal with major health policies impacting our community.

The closure of Muhlenberg Hospital has had catastrophic affects on Plainfield and neighboring communities. We are left dealing with increased travel time to emergency rooms, inadequate ambulance service and the loss of the personal touch that only the doctors, nurses and staff at Muhlenberg could offer. Sadly, that is not all. As a major employer of Plainfield residents, the hospital’s closure has added to an already high unemployment rate at a time when we need jobs.

This is an injustice that must be dealt with. Earlier this year, the 2010 Plainfield City Council unanimously approved a resolution that was sent to Governor Chris Christie, urging him to re-examine the closing of the hospital. We want him to see for himself what we already know – that the closure of our hospital was an injustice.

Although the Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal regarding the dismissed lawsuit against the New Jersey Department of Health, we will support the Administration in pursuing further legal action. As Council liaison to the Community Advisor Group, I have been keeping the entire Council informed of ongoing matters. We are here to continue the fight alongside Plainfield residents and the heroes and sheroes of the POP Restore Muhlenberg Coalition.

Warmest Regards,
Annie McWilliams

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