The State Health Planning Board deferred a highly-anticipated decision on Thursday regarding the relocation of Monmouth Medical Center’s acute care services from Long Branch to a new $800 million general hospital located roughly 5 miles away.

“We are not prepared to take action on this application tonight. Several concerns that the board members (have), I can highlight at a high level,” said Michael Kennedy, executive director of the state Department of Health’s Division of Certificate of Need and Licensing.

“We need more information on disparities for residents of Long Branch and vulnerable population, and additional information on transportation options to ensure that access to vulnerable populations will be secured,” Kennedy said. “We’d like to see additional information on staffing

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