SUNY Sustainability Plan: Cut Ties To LICH

SUNY Downstate trustees voted unanimously in support of a sustainability plan presented on Tuesday that would bring the medical network out of financial distress and sever ties between it and Long Island College Hospital—one way or another.

The proposal doesn't guarantee that LICH will remain open, according to the Wall Street Journal. But SUNY officials say five potential operators have expressed interest in taking over the struggling Cobble Hill institution. 

Before taking effect, the plan must be submitted to the New York state Department of Health and Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget aides by Saturday, June 1, in compliance with budget legislation passed in March. At that time, SUNY Downstate had asked for $150 million in extra funding. But the legislation did not confirm whether the hospital would receive it.

LICH currently employs 2,000 staffers, many of whom live in South Brooklyn. Supporters of the Cobble Hill hospital responded to the plan that any action taken toward downsizing or closure would have a damaging impact upon the available health care to many in the surrounding community.

"On June 4 the the NYS Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education will be holding a hearing on the SUNY Downstate sustainability plan and Long Island College Hospital," wrote Julie Semente, RN, to Patch. 

"The people who depend on LICH deserve and expect to be part of the process in deciding LICH's future," she continued. "LICH's nurses, doctors, staff and community neighbors will be at the hearing to testify and help the Senators realize the importance of preserving LICH as a full service teaching hospital for the wide area of Brooklyn that it serves. Before we leave Albany, they will understand that anything less at LICH is just not acceptable."

To present testimony in person at the hearing, contact: Beth LaMontain at 518 455 3121 or send written testimony to  lamountain@nystate.gov