Legislators demand increased funding for University Hospital's critical infrastructure and resident pay

Concerns over the state of University Hospital in Newark dominated discussions at the New Jersey Assembly Budget Committee meeting on April 7, 2025. Lawmakers highlighted the urgent need for repairs and upgrades to the facility, which is the only public hospital in the state and serves over 100,000 patients annually in its emergency room—far exceeding its original capacity of 50,000.

Assembly members expressed frustration over the hospital's deteriorating conditions, with reports of patients, including elderly individuals, being forced to use bedpans in hallways due to overcrowding. "We need a better facility to meet the needs of the people," one member emphasized, pointing out that the hospital's infrastructure is outdated and inadequate for the volume of patients it serves.

Funding for capital improvements has been a contentious issue, with recent budget proposals cutting support for the hospital's master facility plan in half. This has raised alarms among legislators, who argue that without immediate investment, the hospital's ability to provide essential care will be severely compromised. "Why was the funding for University Hospital's master facility plan zeroed out?" one assembly member questioned, stressing the critical need for a new ambulatory care center and updated equipment.

In addition to infrastructure concerns, the meeting also addressed the compensation of residents at University Hospital, which is reportedly lower than that of their peers in the region. Legislators noted that this disparity could hinder the hospital's ability to attract and retain medical talent. "They are getting paid less than cleaning staff at some facilities," one member remarked, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of resident salaries and benefits.

The discussion also touched on the allocation of $113 million for trauma centers, with lawmakers urging for the immediate disbursement of funds to ensure that both University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson can adequately prepare for emergencies, especially with upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for action was clear. Lawmakers are calling for a comprehensive approach to address the funding and operational challenges facing University Hospital, emphasizing that the health and safety of New Jersey residents depend on it.