Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden) has been released from the hospital after a nearly month-long stay, his office announced today, though the congressman’s rehabilitation period could keep him away from Washington for a while longer.
“Congressman Donald Norcross has been discharged from Cooper Hospital following his recent serious medical incident and has begun his rehabilitation,” Norcross’s office said in a statement. “The Congressman is making remarkable and steady progress and is well on his way to making a full recovery.”
Norcross was first hospitalized on the weekend of April 5, when he was on a plane home to New Jersey that had to be diverted to North Carolina due to the congressman’s medical emergency. The severity of that emergency has gradually come into focus since then; Norcross’s doctor revealed two weeks ago that the congressman had a gallbladder infection that led to sepsis, and his office acknowledged today that the episode had threatened his life.
“The Congressman thanks the entire Cooper team for the excellent care he received, especially the doctors and nurses who saved his life,” Norcross’s office said.
Norcross was transferred from North Carolina to New Jersey a few days after he was first hospitalized, and was transferred out of intensive care last week before being fully released from the hospital today.
But the congressman’s release does not mean he’ll immediately be able to return to all of his congressional duties. Last week, Norcross’s office said he will “need an extended recovery that could take some weeks” as he goes through the rehabilitation process in New Jersey.
Norcross, a six-term representative from South Jersey, is typically a loyal Democratic vote in the House, and his absence in recent weeks has meant that Democrats have had to make do with one less member, including on an extremely close budget resolution vote last month. With more crucial votes on the horizon, Norcross’s prolonged recovery could continue to give Republicans a bit more breathing room on tight votes.
Even if Norcross isn’t physically present in Washington, though, his office says he remains very much in the loop about what’s transpiring there.
“Congressman Norcross is in constant contact with his staff and actively monitoring events in Washington and South Jersey as he continues to fight for seniors’ health care and access to affordable prescription drugs,” his office said today. “He and his family continue to be overwhelmed by the support and well wishes they have received.”