Capital Health officials announced the emergency shutdown this week of the hospital system’s satellite emergency department and outpatient clinic at the former St. Francis Medical Center campus in Trenton, citing serious structural concerns at the site.

The facility, located on Bert Avenue near Hamilton Avenue, ceased operations after structural engineers, architects, and demolition experts warned of significant safety threats stemming from an adjoining building on the Trinity Health-owned property. The space has been leased by Capital Health since it took over services from St. Francis two years ago.

In a statement, Capital Health’s top official said the hospital system is “deeply frustrated and disappointed” by the circumstances that led to the emergency closure.

“Since assuming services from St. Francis two years ago, and leasing this space from Trinity Health, our staff has worked tirelessly to preserve services in the city and at this location,” said Al Maghazehe, Capital Health’s president and CEO, in a prepared statement.

The outpatient clinic closed at 4:30 p.m. on June 4, while the emergency department stopped accepting patients at 7 a.m. on June 5. Patients are being redirected to other locations within the Capital Health network.

Patients requiring emergency or acute care are being advised to visit Capital Health Regional Medical Center on Brunswick Avenue in Trenton, roughly two miles away, or Capital Health Medical Center–Hopewell on Scotch Road in Pennington, just over eight miles from the former St. Francis site.

Emergency medical services have been notified to divert ambulance transports to alternative area hospitals. Capital Health emphasized that individuals with urgent medical conditions should call 911 and not attempt to seek care at the now-closed Hamilton Avenue location.

“We will work closely with the city, other partners and the community as we move forward,” Maghazehe said. “With the former St. Francis location no longer safe for us to occupy, we will be working to identify the best path forward to ensure Trentonians, and those in close proximity to this location, have continued access to the care they need.”

Patients who previously relied on the East Trenton outpatient clinic for primary or specialty care will be directed to other Capital Health facilities, including the East Trenton Clinic/Internal Medicine Residency Clinic at 433 Bellevue Avenue and the walk-in clinic at 832 Brunswick Avenue. Patients may call 609-815-7296 for more information or assistance with ongoing care.

In response to the announcement about the closure of the East Trenton Emergency Department, Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli released a joint statement expressing their concerns about the closure.

“The closure of Capital Health’s medical offices in East Trenton, particularly its Emergency Department, is nothing short of devastating for the local community, the City of Trenton, and the Greater Trenton area as a whole,” they wrote.

“The effects will be felt regionwide as vital medical care is diverted to other facilities. As we gather more information from the New Jersey Department of Health, Capital Health, and the property’s owner, Trinity Health, our primary concern remains the health, safety, and well-being of the community the facility serves,” they wrote. “The logistical challenges of ensuring transportation and access to care are significant. In the coming days, we expect clear and timely communication from Capital Health, Trinity Health, and the New Jersey Department of Health regarding how residents can continue receiving the care they deserve. All parties involved must prioritize the health and well-being of our community above all else. Our offices, in partnership with government agencies, will monitor the situation to ensure this happens.”