SUNY Stops Admissions, Bans Ambulances at LICH

Update: SUNY Director of Communications David Doyle released a statement Thursday evening saying that they are working towards the resumption of ambulances Friday.
  
“At the direction of the chancellor, SUNY is mustering resources, including using doctors from UHB and from other SUNY institutions across the state, with the goal of allowing for the safe and rapid resumption of BLS ambulances tomorrow," the statement reads.
  
“The day-to-day situation at LICH remains fluid and will continue to be until there is clear resolution of the many complicated issues involving the future of the facility. SUNY is making every possible effort to safely maintain current levels of service until such an agreement can be reached. 
  
“Because of the continuing absence of the appropriate medical personnel, at no time have we been accepting the most serious medical cases by ambulance. Those patients are urged to seek care at other facilities and will continue to be transferred in the interest of their safety and welfare.” 

Original Story:

After numerous rallies and campaigns over the past months to save the hospital, SUNY moved forward with its plan to close Long Island College Hospital in Cobble Hill Wednesday night.

According to a report in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, medical staff received notice last night that a full diversion of ambulances went into effect. Ambulances were also sent to the hospital Wednesday night to move patients to other hospitals, according to the report.

“Despite widespread community outrage, an impending contempt hearing, and the election of a new mayor who has fought tooth and nail in this struggle, SUNY is still determined to shut down Long Island College Hospital," Council Member Stephen Levin said in a statement Thursday.

"They know what they are doing is wrong and will hurt the community, which explains why they are acting in the dead of the night to shut down LICH. Long Island College Hospital provides vital care to Brooklyn and we will continue to fight together against SUNY’s morally bankrupt actions.”

The SUNY board voted to close LICH in February, and since then the community and medical staff has teamed with local pols in an effort to save the hospital. The hospital was also at the center of newly elected Mayor Bill de Blasio's campaign. de Blasio had committed to saving the hospital.

SUNY Downstate previously banned ambulances from LICH back in June, which led to delays and overcrowding in ERs across Brooklyn over the summer. Partial ambulance service was not restored until early September, according to reports.