Heights University Hospital in Jersey City Closes Emergency Department, Ending All Medical Services

The emergency department at Heights University Hospital in Jersey City closed permanently at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 14, 2026, marking the end of all medical services at the institution, formerly known as Christ Hospital. The closure follows a failed last-minute attempt by city officials to secure an injunction blocking the shutdown.

Background and Closure Attempts

Jersey City filed an emergency injunction to prevent the closure, arguing that Hudson Regional Health (HRH) “failed to follow basic rules required by state law to close a hospital.” However, a New Jersey Superior Court judge denied the city’s request [1]. Mayor James Solomon expressed disagreement with the ruling but stated the city would respect it, while criticizing HRH’s conduct throughout the process [1].

Reasons for Closure

HRH attributes the closure to financial difficulties, citing “a majority underinsured payer mix, cuts to state and county aid, an aging and neglected facility,” and resulting losses exceeding $74 million in the previous year [1]. The hospital initially closed several departments in November, but had promised to keep the emergency room open, even extending its operation for two weeks with a $1 million investment, contingent on state assistance [2].

History and Ownership

Heights University Hospital, originally founded in 1872 as Christ Hospital, was taken over by HRH after CarePoint Health declared bankruptcy in 2024 [2]. The hospital’s owner had previously announced the full closure in late February 2026 [3].

Impact and Future Plans

The closure leaves thousands of residents with fewer emergency care options. Patients requiring life-threatening trauma care are being diverted to other area hospitals, including those in Jersey City and Hoboken [2]. HRH plans to open an urgent care facility in an adjacent building and a mobile health unit in the coming months [2]. The company has also proposed plans to build residential units to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital [2].

Union Response

The Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE), the union representing nurses at Heights University Hospital, alerted its members to the impending closure and urged them to contact Governor Mikie Sherrill and other New Jersey policymakers in an attempt to save the hospital [3].