Community Corner

SUNY Downstate Officially Withdraws Closure Plan For LICH

The medical network President stated that they will continue to seek a provider of healthcare services within the LICH community, including potentially a hospital operator.


Following a unanimous vote by the City Council on Thursday to support saving Long Island College Hospital, SUNY Downstate has officially announced the withdrawal of its previous plan for closure.

“The financial conditions at LICH remain unchanged," said Downstate President Dr. John F. Williams, Jr. in his release. "LICH’s continued financial losses still threaten the viability of Downstate Medical and our world-renowned medical school. We are withdrawing the closure plan so we can work with the State and other stakeholders on a sustainability plan for Brooklyn’s only medical school and to ensure quality medical care throughout the borough. The current legal proceedings prohibit this dialogue."

The release went on to state that the current state budget provides SUNY with a new and comprehensive set of tools for Downstate to restructure itself. SUNY and Downstate, with the approval of DOH and the State Division of the Budget, are now required to develop a Sustainability Plan by June 1. Implementation will begin mid month.

"It's good news that SUNY is withdrawing its closure plan for LICH," Sen. Daniel Squadron stated in response to the news. "Now there's a real opportunity for a collaborative process that engages the community and local leaders on LICH's future."

After that an outpouring of elated victory cries were heard from NYSNA representatives, local electeds and other longtime supporters of the Brooklyn hospital.

"This is an incredible victory for Brooklyn patients. We want to thank Governor Cuomo for helping us find solutions to Brooklyn's healthcare crisis," said Jill Furillo, RN, executive director of the New York State Nurses Association in a prepared statement. "We are so grateful to everyone who has worked to keep LICH open: The caregivers of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Governor Cuomo, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Senator Daniel Squadron, State Assembly Members Joan Millman and Dick Gottfried, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, District Leader Jo Anne Simon, and New York City Council members Brad Lander, Stephen Levin, Letitia James, and Maria Carmen del Arroyo – among many others. We thank you for your successful work to ensure and improve healthcare access for Brooklyn patients."

George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East echoed that sentiment. "From the beginning, our members worked with nurses, doctors, neighbors, patient advocates and elected officials and did everything in our power to find alternative solutions that would keep LICH's vital medical services and good jobs in the community," he said. "This victory proves the grassroots strength we have when we unite for quality healthcare, and we will continue to work hard to ensure LICH remains open and thriving for generations to come."

Physicians at the hospital also raised their voices in support.

“We are encouraged by SUNY’s decision to withdraw the closure plan,” said Toomas Sorra, MD, President of Concerned Physicians of LICH.  "We are committed to the restoration and improvement of services at LICH, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure that SUNY fulfills its obligation to maintain services and departments at the levels in place prior to the submission of the closure plan.”

In a joint statement with Council members Brad Lander and Stephen Levin, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn also shared enthusiasm for the decision.

“I am relieved to learn that SUNY Downstate Medical Center withdrew its proposal to close Long Island College Hospital. This is an incredible victory for Downtown Brooklyn and its residents and the entire health care system of New York City,” read the statement. “We look forward to working with SUNY to ensure that the community has continued access to quality health care.”

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