SPRINGFIELD – This week, Roseland Community Hospital officials conducted a press conference announcing their plans to shut down operations after 85 years of services to the community. Senator Jones had this to say:

“On April 15, Roseland Community Hospital was advised by the state that any further assistance would require RCH to perform a feasibility study to show long-term stability and make administrative changes. Today, I was in contact with RCH and neither prerequisite has been initiated. Both requirements were suggested because of fiscal mismanagement issues dating back to 1985 and needed administrative changes to restructure inefficiencies in leadership.

In this morning’s press conference, RCH officials claimed that the state owed them over $6 million, which is false. The state has completely rectified its debt and gave and advanced payment of over $1 million in Critical Hospital Adjustment Payment advancement to help when RCH asked for assistance initially. I desperately want RCH to stay open to continue providing health care services for the Greater Roseland Area. It’s no secret the Roseland community has a shortage of hospitals and for many residents, RCH is the only accessible and affordable health care facility. I’m sure a reasonable and responsible solution is within our grips but during this time of fiscal uncertainty, we can’t afford to give money to any entity that isn’t willing to make a responsible effort.”