State health care and Newton Memorial

To the editor: The Star Ledger of Newark recently published an editorial titled, “Do Not Resuscitate,” regarding the struggling health care industry in New Jersey. Unfortunately, New Jersey hospitals are all equal sufferers when it comes to unprecedented cuts in reimbursement by state and federal governments. Insurance companies, meanwhile, are finding more ways of steering patients to settings outside the hospital. It’s creating a storm by which some New Jersey hospitals will be forced to close or reduce services because the cost of doing business is getting too high. At Newton Memorial Hospital, the predominant health care provider in Sussex County, we feel strongly that it is important to let the community know that our commitment to quality is unwavering despite the fragile economic climate. The proof is in the work we’re doing and the accolades we are receiving. Over the last two months, three different entities representing national, state and county interests honored Newton Memorial Hospital with awards for clinical excellence and outstanding business practices. In early May, VHA Inc., a national health care alliance, for the second consecutive year honored Newton Memorial for reaching extraordinary levels of clinical excellence this year in three different clinical categories, making the hospital one of only 33 in the nation to receive this honor from over 2,500 affiliates. In June, the New Jersey Association of Counties honored Newton Memorial Hospital with its 2007 Business Associate Award. “Your hospital has been a conduit of positive change,” its executive director said in a letter. “Your organization has made the county a better place to live.” In late May, the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership honored NMH with the Business Expansion of the Year Award for bringing to Sussex County the Charles L. Tice Heart Center for Diagnostic Services, which offers diagnostic cardiac catheterizations, the highest standard available today to detect and treat cardiovascular disease. Newton Memorial Hospital once again pledges to deliver quality care to a growing region that deserves and expects nothing less. John Brand Public Relations/Government Affairs Coordinator Newton Memorial Hospital