Downstate – We CAN Do This

          We’re your neighborhood hospital. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously.  In light of recent events, many of you are wondering what’s in store for . I’m glad I can address you directly in this blog.

          As you know, we’ve reduced our workforce by some 150 employees. We had, and continue to have, great respect for the affected individuals. Many large-city hospitals are impersonal, but people who work at LICH don’t just consider themselves employees, they consider themselves part of the extended community.  Unfortunately, there was no alternative. Hospitals around the country, and Downstate LICH is no exception, must reduce their footprint as the trend to outpatient care continues. 

         Let me give you some examples of how inpatient care is changing. A recent patient, a 57-year old man, had hernia surgery. Another patient, an 18-year old woman, had adenoid surgery. Approximately three hours after the surgeries, both went home—under their own power. A generation ago, each would have been in the hospital anywhere from four to 10 days. Our surgical and anesthesia delivery techniques have improved dramatically in the past generation, enabling people to spend less time in the hospital and more at home or in rehabilitation centers, where they recover more quickly and are much more comfortable.

          We need to ensure our financial viability so we can continue providing medical services to you, our neighbors. Pediatrics, OB/GYN and other medical departments that are so important to you remain open, intact and viable. We’ve listened to the suggestions you’ve made at community events and fairs and even added specialties such as pediatric orthopedics and pediatric sleep medicine.

         In short, every move we make is to meet the challenges the industry faces, and to keep our promise to you that Downstate LICH will remain your strong neighborhood hospital. Convenience and accessibility are very important to patients. Downstate LICH offers both. Please keep visiting our excellent physicians for your care and coming to the Emergency Department if necessary—together, we can do this.

          Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions or concerns. I am always available at: ceo.debracarey@downstate.edu

 Yours in good health, Debra Carey, CEO