Profits or progress? Hospital move ignites outrage in Long Branch

New Jersey hospital war: Democrats and rival health giants clash over Long Branch plan Dan Alexander Published: October 17, 2025 Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch (Monmouth Medical Center)

🔴 Rep. Frank Pallone blasts RWJ Barnabas and Gov. Murphy

🏥 Hackensack Meridian Health warns competitor's move will swamp its hospitals

💰 $50 million Vogel Medical Center project in Tinton Falls sparks backlash

LONG BRANCH — A hospital that’s been part of Long Branch for more than a century could soon be gone, and Gov. Phil Murphy is caught in the crossfire as a congressman from his party rages about profit seeking and a rival hospital system warns of consequences for public health.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J. 6th District, argues that RWJ Barnabas Health and the Murphy administr