Patient safety has marked a significant victory at Hudson Regional Health, as the network proudly announced that Bayonne University Hospital has successfully recorded zero hospital-acquired infections for two unbroken years. This outstanding accomplishment, spanning across all of 2024 and 2025, distinguishes Bayonne University Hospital as one of the few acute care facilities in New Jersey attaining such exemplary standards of infection prevention consistently over consecutive years.
Hospital-acquired infections continue to pose an immense challenge to the health sector in the United States. National data indicates that out of every 31 patients hospitalized, approximately one typically contracts an infection. This not only leads to extended hospital stays but also escalates medical costs and raises the severity of mortality rates.
Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, the CEO and President of Hudson Regional, stated that achieving an unprecedented two years with no healthcare-acquired infections was no small task. It is a testimony to the tireless dedication and expert care provided by the whole team every day.
This noteworthy milestone has been achieved while Bayonne University Hospital is evolving through a significant operational overhaul. Ever since Hudson Regional Health took the reins following the bankruptcy of the previous operator 15 months ago, the hospital has experienced a remarkable improvement in various aspects including reduced ER wait times, infrastructure upgrades, an expanded workforce, and higher patient intake.
Cynthia Mercado-Reyes, the Director of Infection Control at Bayonne University Hospital, accredits this success to the relentless concentration on evidence-based protocols and constant vigilance from the staff. By ensuring a sterile environment, the facility aims to instill confidence in the local community about the acute care safety measures implemented.
BUH Chief Hospital Executive, Dr. Vijayant Singh, asserted that the local community of Bayonne could be confident of receiving the highest quality care when they choose their hospital. Moving forward, the hospital aims to fortify this positive momentum as it proceeds with further institutional reforms and facility-wide upgrades throughout 2026.