SUNY Prez Files LICH Closure Plan With DOH

SUNY Downstate filed its proposed closure plan for Long Island College Hospital with the Department of Health on Wednesday, announced President John Williams. The statement comes after board trustees voted on February 8 to support the president in his recommendation.

Now, the fate of the 155-year-old Cobble Hill hospital is in the hands of the New York State DOH, which must approve the plan before it can be put into action.

“While a painful step, this is a crucial step in the long-term effort to preserve high quality patient services and medical education at Downstate Medical Center,” Dr. Williams stated in a release. “I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that Downstate continues to fulfill its critical academic and health care responsibilities for the communities we serve, the patients we treat, and the students we educate."

In a letter sent to Legislators, Williams blamed financial pressures at SUNY Downstate on the evolving Brooklyn healthcare market, funding reductions, cost increases and a high number of uninsured patients.

 “We are engaging with all stakeholders and will soon be convening a community advisory board to help us assess the medical needs of the community and how they might best be provided and by whom," wrote Williams. "We have strived to ensure openness and transparency in this process and we will continue to do so as we move forward.”

Earlier this week, members of the NYSNA congregated in Albany to protest the proposed closure, calling upon Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other legislators to come up with an alternative plan.

"LICH IS OPEN FOR CARE & OUR STAFF IS FIGHTING TO KEEP IT THAT WAY!" wrote registered nurse Julie Semente to Patch.

Stay with Patch for updates.