(09/19/06) BAYONNE - Residents fear layoffs at Bayonne Medical Center foreshadow the hospital's eventual closing, and they do not plan to take it lying down.

More than 200 people rallied with the Coalition to Save Bayonne Medical Center along 29th Street Tuesday. Due to a $35 million deficit, the hospital laid off 98 workers this year. Obstetrics, physical therapy and other departments have suspended services. Coalition protesters say that after layoffs and suspension of services, the next natural step would be closing the hospital. Combined with the closure of St. Francis Hospital, coalition members fear if Bayonne Medical Center closes, the closest hospital would be in Staten Island or Jersey City.

Coalition members reached out to Mayor Joe Doria to have the state evaluate the hospital's financial management. Doria says he expects state monitors in Bayonne within a few weeks.