Long Branch, New Jersey, October 19, 2025
Congressman Frank Pallone has voiced strong criticism towards Governor Murphy regarding the decision to relocate most services from Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch to another New Jersey location. This controversial move has raised significant concerns about healthcare access for communities along the coast. In light of these developments, Pallone is urging state intervention to ensure that local medical services remain available to residents, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare in coastal areas.
Long Branch, New Jersey – October 19, 2025
Congressman Frank Pallone has criticized Governor Phil Murphy over the decision to relocate most services from Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch to a new facility in Tinton Falls. This move has raised concerns about healthcare access in coastal communities, prompting Pallone to demand state intervention to preserve local medical services.
Details of the Relocation Plan
RWJBarnabas Health, which operates Monmouth Medical Center, plans to transfer key services—including labor and delivery, acute care inpatient beds, and the hospital license—to the new Tinton Falls facility. The existing Long Branch location would continue to provide some medical care but would no longer offer these critical services, effectively reducing its capacity to serve the community.
Congressman’s Response
Congressman Pallone, a lifelong resident of Long Branch, has expressed strong opposition to the relocation plan. He argues that moving essential services out of Long Branch would leave thousands of families without access to necessary healthcare and place additional strain on other hospitals in the region. Pallone has called on Governor Murphy and Acting Health Commissioner to reject the proposal and ensure that the Long Branch hospital remains fully operational.
Governor’s Position
The Murphy administration has responded by stating that the application to relocate the hospital license has been deemed complete, initiating the evaluation process. However, no final decision has been made regarding the relocation. The administration emphasizes that the Department of Health plans to continue its evaluation process over the next few weeks.
Implications for the Community
The potential relocation of Monmouth Medical Center’s key services has significant implications for the Long Branch community. Residents have relied on the hospital for over a century, and the loss of essential services could lead to longer travel times for medical care, increased emergency room congestion, and overall diminished healthcare access. Local leaders and healthcare advocates are urging state officials to intervene and preserve the hospital’s full range of services in Long Branch.
Background Context
Monmouth Medical Center has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Long Branch for 136 years, providing a wide array of medical services to the community. The proposed relocation to Tinton Falls is part of a broader trend of healthcare facilities consolidating services to more affluent areas, raising concerns about equitable access to care for all residents, particularly those in lower-income and urban communities.
Next Steps
As the evaluation process continues, public hearings are expected to be held in Long Branch and before the State Health Planning Board. These forums will provide an opportunity for community members, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed relocation. The final decision will rest with the state commissioner of health, who will consider all input before making a determination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed plan for Monmouth Medical Center?
The plan involves relocating key services—including labor and delivery, acute care inpatient beds, and the hospital license—from the Long Branch facility to a new hospital in Tinton Falls, leaving behind a reduced range of services in Long Branch.
Why is Congressman Frank Pallone opposed to this plan?
Congressman Pallone argues that moving essential services out of Long Branch would leave thousands of families without access to necessary healthcare and place additional strain on other hospitals in the region. He has called on state officials to reject the proposal and ensure that the Long Branch hospital remains fully operational.
What is the Murphy administration’s stance on the relocation?
The Murphy administration has stated that the application to relocate the hospital license has been deemed complete, initiating the evaluation process. However, no final decision has been made regarding the relocation, and the Department of Health plans to continue its evaluation process over the next few weeks.
What are the potential impacts on the Long Branch community?
The potential relocation of key services could lead to longer travel times for medical care, increased emergency room congestion, and overall diminished healthcare access for residents who have relied on the hospital for over a century.
What are the next steps in the evaluation process?
Public hearings are expected to be held in Long Branch and before the State Health Planning Board. These forums will provide an opportunity for community members, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed relocation. The final decision will rest with the state commissioner of health, who will consider all input before making a determination.
Key Features of the Monmouth Medical Center Relocation Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Relocation of Services | Transfer of key services—including labor and delivery, acute care inpatient beds, and the hospital license—from Long Branch to Tinton Falls. |
| Community Impact | Potential loss of essential healthcare services for Long Branch residents, leading to longer travel times and increased strain on other hospitals. |
| Congressman’s Opposition | Congressman Frank Pallone’s strong opposition to the plan, calling for state intervention to preserve local medical services. |
| Governor’s Response | The Murphy administration’s initiation of the evaluation process, with no final decision made yet regarding the relocation. |
| Next Steps | Upcoming public hearings in Long Branch and before the State Health Planning Board to gather community input before a final decision is made. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Pallone Critiques Murphy on Healthcare Service Relocation
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