Agency CEO: New Jersey Acting Like `Communist China` on EMS Legislation

June 24--TRENTON -- The debate over whether Cooper University Hospital should take over emergency medical services in Camden intensified Wednesday, as the CEO of one of the current providers suggested the legislative process here resembled "communist China."

At issue is a bill, introduced earlier this month and expected to reach the Legislature for a vote on Thursday, that would enable Cooper to take over paramedic and basic life services in the city.

Those two services are currently provided in Camden by Virtua Health System and the state-owned, Newark-based University Hospital, respectively. Virtua has provided paramedic services to each town in Camden and Burlington Counties for 38 years.

"What in God's name is happening in this state?" Richard P. Miller, Virtua's chief executive and president, said at a Statehouse news conference Wednesday.

"What's happening to our process in this state, when one person can want something -- I thought I landed in communist China -- one person wants something and can take it away from another business, just unilaterally, and get people to agree to it? What in heaven's name is happening to our process?"

Miller was referring to George E. Norcross III, the chairman of Cooper's Board of Trustees and the South Jersey Democratic leader. "The chairman of Cooper obviously feels strongly about taking this program away from Virtua," said Miller, who was surrounded by a half-dozen Virtua paramedics.

Dan Fee, a spokesman for Norcross, said in an interview, "Mr. Miller's comments crystallize this. He's focused on Virtua; everyone else is focused on the quality of care that patients receive."

"This is about ensuring that Camden residents get the highest quality consistent care rather than go to a community hospital," Fee said.

Miller's charged remarks underscore the bitter rivalry between the two hospitals. They come as lawmakers prepare on Thursday to confront a key question: What is the best way to serve Camden residents in need of emergency care?

Beyond that question, larger issues loom over the bill, such as whether it would be appropriate for the Legislature to circumvent the regulatory process by which Virtua obtained a license to operate in Camden and elsewhere.

The $35.3 billion Democratic budget, also expected to be voted on Thursday, includes $2.5 million for Cooper for EMS services. Cooper's backers say this one-time expense would be used for start-up costs like replacing old ambulances.

Cooper argues that as South Jersey's only Level 1 trauma center, it is best positioned to provide emergency care.

Virtua counters that it has the most experience in providing such care.

Copyright 2015 - The Philadelphia Inquirer