Jersey City Faces Healthcare Gap as Heights University Hospital Closes

Jersey City residents now have only one hospital emergency department serving a population of approximately 300,000, following the permanent closure of Heights University Hospital on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The closure occurred despite objections from local leaders and the hospital’s nurses union, and a judge denied a last-minute injunction to prevent it.

History and Recent Changes

Originally founded in 1872 as Christ Hospital, Heights University Hospital was acquired by Hudson Regional Health (HRH) in 2025. Most of the hospital’s operations were shut down in late 2025, with the emergency department remaining open until this weekend. [1]

Financial Challenges and Closure Decision

Hudson Regional Health cited significant financial losses as the reason for the closure. The hospital reportedly lost $74 million in the previous year and was projected to lose another $30 million in 2026. [1] HRH sought financial assistance from both the state of New Jersey and Jersey City, but was informed that public funds would not be allocated to keep the hospital operational. [1]

Impact on Jersey City Healthcare

The closure of Heights University Hospital leaves Jersey City Medical Center as the sole provider of emergency services within the city limits. Hoboken University Hospital may too help to fill the gap. Prior to this closure, Jersey City had three hospital emergency departments; Greenville Hospital closed in 2008. [1]

State Response and Concerns

State approval is required to close a hospital in New Jersey, and Hudson Regional Health had applied for this approval. However, the hospital proceeded with the closure before receiving it. New Jersey’s acting health commissioner, Raynard Washington, stated that Hudson Regional Health was “out of compliance” with state law. [1] Governor Mikie Sherrill’s office indicated that HRH had accumulated penalties for non-compliance and that legislation is being considered to strengthen state oversight of healthcare facilities. [1]

Legal Challenges and Future Plans

Jersey City filed an emergency injunction request to block the closure, but it was denied. Mayor James Solomon stated the city is evaluating legal options, including the possibility of using eminent domain to regain control of the hospital. [1] Hudson Regional Health has plans to redevelop the hospital property for residential use, but a zoning ordinance passed by the City Council in December 2025 currently prohibits such projects. [1]

Continued Care in the Community

In anticipation of the closure, Heights University Hospital announced a partnership with Alliance Community Healthcare (ACHI), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), to provide healthcare services to the Heights community. ACHI will operate within Hudson Regional Health’s Heights Medical Office Building at 142 Palisade Avenue. [1] HRH will also maintain an ambulance outside the Emergency Department for two weeks to transport patients to other facilities and will offer mobile health services through the HRH Foundation Mobile Health Unit. [1]

Address and Contact Information: Heights University Hospital was located at 176 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306, with a phone number of 201.795.8200. [2]