Borough mayor seeks task force on clinic at hospital site

Medical center agrees to cooperate

By: Marjorie Censer
   Princeton Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman has proposed that the University Medical Center at Princeton appoint a task force to consider whether a free-standing clinic or medical facility should remain in Princeton once the hospital has moved to its new site along Route 1 in Plainsboro.
   Mayor Trotman said she’s heard from many members of the community — those who want the hospital to maintain a clinic to serve the uninsured and underinsured populations, as well as those who feel it’s better to establish an excellent transportation system to take those residents to the fully equipped Plainsboro facility.
   The Princeton Borough Council has also emphasized the importance of finding a solution for Princeton residents, particularly those who now access the hospital on foot and would be unable to drive to the new location.
   "That nothing will be available is a major concern to people around me," Mayor Trotman said. "I think the needs of the walk-in people should be addressed as best they can."
   She has suggested that the hospital appoint a group of people to consider the issue in depth, and Princeton HealthCare System’s Vice President of Government and Community Affairs Pam Hersh said the hospital will be happy to cooperate.
   "We will take the lead in organizing a group of appropriate people to look at the way the clinic functions and who the clinic serves in a detailed manner," she said.
   Ms. Hersh said the hospital has heard from both sides, too — from those who are committed to retaining a clinic in town and those who think it’s more appropriate for everyone to be treated at the same hospital, where all can have access to the same medical treatment.
   She came under pressure two weeks ago when members of the Princeton Regional Health Commission urged her to ensure that a clinic would remain. They said the clinic should operate like an excellent doctor’s office, not an under-equipped hospital.
   Ms. Hersh said PHCS is committed to providing quality care.
   "We want to serve everyone. That’s part of our mission; that’s why we’re here," Ms. Hersh said. "The debate is only how best to do that. … We’ve heard really compelling arguments on both ends."
   Mayor Trotman said she is interested in including a broad group of people, including representatives from the Health Commission, from the Hispanic community and from the neighborhoods within walking distance of the current hospital site.
   She emphasized, however, that the new group is at its earliest stage. Mayor Trotman said she simply wants to organize a group that can brainstorm and come up with the best solution.
   "I think the needs of our residents need to be addressed," she said.