Latest News
LICH Update - 20. august 2014 - Enjoy Labor Day Weekend
LICH nurses taking SUNY back to court in Brooklyn | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH nurses headed back to court | Capital New York
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Brooklyn Resident Files Suit to Compel NYS Attorney General to Produce Records under Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
Attorney General's Office Denied FOIL Request for Charities Bureau Records Relating to Invasion of Hospital Endowment
Brooklyn, NY - August 27, 2014 - Brooklyn resident and former Long Island College Hospital (LICH) patient Barbara Gartner filed an Article 78 petition today in NYS Supreme Court to compel the release of records relating to the NYS Attorney General Charities Bureau's approvals of invasions of the hospital’s $140 million Othmer Endowment Fund. The records were withheld by the Attorney General's Office in a blanket denial of her February FOIL request. According to her attorney, David A. Kaplan, oral arguments in the case will be heard on September 26.
Additionally, groups including Patients for LICH, Concerned Physicians of LICH, and the Cobble Hill Association issued statements (attached) supporting Ms. Gartner's request and the public's right to the information.
In June, the NYS Department of State Committee on Open Government issued an Advisory Opinion (attached) calling the Attorney General's denial of the FOIL request “improper” and stated that “the denial appears to be inconsistent with the language and intent of the Freedom of Information Law and its judicial construction.”
It is the role of the Attorney General's Charities Bureau to represent the public, the ultimate charitable beneficiaries, in decisions relating to modifications of endowment restrictions.
The Othmer Endowment Fund was bequeathed to LICH in the late 1990s by Dr. Donald and Mildred Othmer, Brooklyn Heights residents who wanted to help ensure the future of their beloved community hospital. The funds, totaling approximately $140 million, were in a permanently restricted endowment, with the principal to be held in perpetuity and the income used for the benefit of LICH. But in a series of cy pres proceedings, hospital administrators obtained permission to invade the funds.
Most recently, in 2011, the Charities Bureau and the court approved the borrowing of the entire principal balance of the Othmer Fund to enable SUNY Downstate Medical Center’s no-cash acquisition of LICH, with SUNY assuming liability for repayment of the $140 million to the endowment. SUNY has now closed all but a small walk-in emergency department at LICH and has contracted to sell the LICH property to a real estate developer, who plans to tear down the hospital and build condominium towers.
Ms. Gartner's FOIL request, originally made in June of 2013, asked for records of communications between the Attorney General's Charities Bureau and the NYS Supreme Court, the Long Island College Hospital, Continuum Health Partners, and SUNY regarding its authorization of the 2006 and 2011 borrowings from the Othmer Funds. Challenging the Attorney General's refusal to make these documents available to community members impacted by the decisions, she cites the language of the Freedom of Information Law, that “the people's right to review the documents . . . leading to determinations is basic to our society.”
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Contact:
Trudy Wassner
nystrudel@msn.com
Co-chairperson
Patients for LICH
347-981-1324
Barbara Gartner
bgart13@earthlink.net
917-442-9464
LICH Update - 25. august 2014 (I know, I know - ER now boarded up)
at LICH, like frequently in life, Backroom Politics and Real Estate have clearly won, as they usually do - despite the efforts of a lot of committed people!
TMS
Affordable Housing Is Unclear in Brooklyn Hospital Venture - WSJ
Teachout celebrates court victory over Cuomo in Brooklyn, pushes for debate | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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LICH Update - 10. august 2014
The dust continues to settle, and the reality of the fraud and mismanagement involved in the closure of LICH keeps bubbling to the surface among the dust clouds.
The list of criminals involved is too long to send in one email, but you all know the players.
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Shocker: How SUNY lost more than $100M mismanaging LICH | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Cuomo’s Back-Room Style Draws a Potent Critic - NYTimes.com
GOP wants blood after report Cuomo thwarted corruption probe | New York Post
NYC issues Stop Work Order at LICH site | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Scandal exposes Cuomo as liar and phony | New York Post
LICH Update - 20. july 2014 - "Brookyn-Nice place to live, but don't get sick there "
Although some of the details about LICH are inaccurate, the first article nails it, highlights the concerns about healthcare any downtown Brooklyn resident should have.
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
A Nice Place to Live, But I Wouldn’t Want to Get Sick There | New York Observer
Group Aiding de Blasio Spent $1.7 Million in First Half of ’14 - NYTimes.com
State DOH Awards Hundreds of Millions to Hospitals Around City - NY1
_______________________________________________________________
From: Charlene Nimmons <c.nimmons@icloud.com>
Date: Wed, Jul 16, 2014 at 5:30 PM
Subject: Report SUNY's Unfair LICH RFP/Closure Process
To: Charlene Nimmons <c.nimmons@me.com>
Report SUNY's Unfair LICH RFP/Closure Process to:
Honorable Kenneth P. Thompson
Kings County District Attorney
The Public Integrity Bureau investigates
government corruption, including misconduct
by public officials, fraud in government-funded
programs, and corruption of the political process.
To report corruption, call the:
Public Integrity Hotline
718-250-2747
or visit
350 Jay Street 16th floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Monday-Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Walk-ins welcome from
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
LICH Update - 15. july 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Thanks to all for continued support of
"what was the hospital known as LICH".
Everybody continues to hope, do their best, and wait for a healthcare miracle in downtown Brooklyn.
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Alarm raised about ‘dark money’ behind de Blasio’s LICH - Fortis letter | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Concern in Brooklyn as LICH ER shrinks | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Brooklyn officials, community want investigation into SUNY's sale of LICH | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Long Island College Hospital | LICH RFP Process
Grace and race should unify - NY Daily News
LICH bidder Trindade files a protest with state Comptroller | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Brooklyn Hospital Center gala raises $1.7 million to expand ER | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH Update: 7/2/14 -de Blasio Sold Out:mailer praises LICH closure & more...
Dear Friends of LICH -
"Read it and weep" - the articles tell the story..........
Gov. Cuomo and Mayor DeBlasio apparently were on the "same page" about LICH all along, and many of us didn't know it -
"Close it down"!!!!!!!!!!!
So that's what they did, and the realtors won!!!!!!
Hopefully enough voters notice and remember, especially when their medical care has been moved miles away!
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Bill de Blasio Sold Out: SHAME : de Blasio mailer praises LICH closure
SUNY board officially approves sale of Long Island College Hospital to Fortis | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Minority leaders to Cuomo: ‘Do the right thing’ for LICH | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Community Leaders Want State Officials to Investigate Process That Led to LICH Deal - NY1
Mapping the Masses of New Downtown Brooklyn Apartments - Brooklyn Is Still Booming - Curbed NY
Minority officials and religious groups to call on state to halt LICH sale | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH Update - 26. june 2016
Dear Friends of LICH,
Sending along the latest.........
The Fight for LICH Continues!
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
(see full info at end of email)
LICH Leftovers | Sal F. Albanese
(good observations here)
SUNY Finalizes LICH Deal With Fortis | New York Observer
Tragic accident in Cobble Hill Wednesday feet from closed LICH in Brooklyn | Brooklyn Daily Ea
SUNY board officially approves sale of Long Island College Hospital to Fortis | Brooklyn Daily Eagl
Black, Puerto Rican Caucus protests SUNY’s treatment of LICH bidders | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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MEDIA ADVISORY |
NAACP, Elected Officials, Community Based Organizations and Faith-Based Groups Call on Governor Cuomo, AG Schneiderman & Comptroller DiNapoli to Halt LICH Sale
Launch full investigation into the integrity of the selection process which bypassed minority-owned business developers and destroyed trust throughout our community
Who: Dr. Hazel N. Dukes – President, NAACP New York State Conference; Assemblyman Karim Camara – Chair, New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus;; Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green – President/Chair, Mobilizing Preachers and Communities (MPAC); along with community stakeholder groups standing united and continuing the fight to SAVE LICH with dozens of supporters / other electeds
Where: Steps of City Hall
When: Friday, June 27th at 9:30 AM
What: News conference urging Governor Cuomo, Attorney General Schneiderman and Comptroller DiNapoli to instruct the SUNY Board to suspend its deal with Fortis Property Group until justification for bypassing bidders one and two for the sale of LICH, both are minority-owned business developers – Brooklyn Health Partners and The Peebles Corporation An official inquiry should explore the lack of transparency in the negotiation.
process and the peculiarity in which Fortis – the third place bidder of the current bid – has been positioned as the preferred buyer.
The Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller have a short window and real opportunity to validate their transparency, accountability and commitment to our communities immediately to halt SUNY’s sale of LICH.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Charlene Nimmons at 347-791-1175 or email at Phc.inc@hotmail.com
LICH Update - June 11, 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
It's difficult to even think of what to write at this point about LICH.
This effort/fight/struggle to SAVE LICH has lasted for a year and a half, much longer if you count the effort of the LICH Medical Staff to separate from Continuum only to end up with SUNY.
And where are we now?
-Not in a good place - LICH, for all intents and purposes, is closed.
-Emergency Room - open - barely!
-Coalition to SAVE LICH - 1199 bailed a few days ago - "we will not support the community in this ongoing effort".
-NYSNA is sitting on the fence -
-Only Jim Walden, his legal team, and Justice Baynes stand between the present state of affairs and a conglomeration of coops and and urgent care center in the space where LICH once stood.
Yes, as Jim Walden has urged - contact your elected officials to protest this -
but remember - we have all contacted the elected officials throughout this process, some have been supportive, but where did Mayor DeBlasio's promises last year get us now?
We now have the plan that has been in the works for years for LICH -
the Continuum/SUNY/Cuomo/RealEstate on Waterfront Plan, with DeBlasio added.
We will remember - we the LICH Community, and LICH Physicians,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Behind the scenes, mayor's people work to save LICH deal | Capital New York
Brooklyn judge puts off LICH decision; focus on community needs assessment | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Newest deadline for LICH could be Friday | Crain's New York Business
As LICH lawsuits fly, Brooklyn patients must travel farther | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
For de Blasio, Deals, Drama and (Maybe) Progress - NYTimes.com
mcbrooklyn: There Goes the Neighborhood: 1,000-foot Tower May Replace Juniors
From: dgoldberg@capitalnewyork.com
By Dan Goldberg
PITCHING A NO DECISION -– Justice Johnny Lee Baynes told a packed courtroom yesterday that he is reserving his decision on whether to grant a motion that would disqualify certain LICH evaluators, and force SUNY to begin negotiating with Prime Healthcare. The judge said his decision could come as early as Friday. Baynes' no-decision has no impact on the negotiations between SUNY and Fortis, the developer looking to purchase the hospital. Fortis announced yesterday that it would provide an H.I.V. clinic, an ombudsman who can hear community concerns and hold 10,000 square feet in reserve in case its own community needs assessment found the area requires more health care. The needs assessment will not address whether a full-service hospital is required, which is what JIm Walden, the attorney representing the community groups, had secured from the Peebles Corporation before that deal fell through.
If Baynes grants the motion … That would mean six scorers, who evaluated the proposals to purchase LICH, would be disqualified. When you remove their scores from the equation, Prime Healthcare, a California company with plans to run a full-service hospital, takes the top spot.
If Baynes denies the motion … It would seem then the community's last, best chance to keep a full-service hospital in Cobble Hill is gone. SUNY appears close to a deal with Fortis Property Group, which will partner with NYU but it is offering a freestanding E.D. in place of an acute-care hospital.
___________________________________________________________________
Jim Walden is urging all of us to phone our elected officials that serve the LICH community to support a complete community medical care needs assessment for the communities served by LICH. They must put pressure on SUNY, our Mayor and the new operator who ever that might be.
Here are elected officials serving LICH and phone #s
Sue
NY State Senator Daniel Squadron
718-875-1517
NY State Assembly member Joan Millman
718-246-4889
NY State Assembly member Felix Ortiz
718-492-6334
NYC Council member Brad Lander
718-.499-1090
NYC Council member Stephen Levin
718-875-5200
NYC Council member Carlos Menchaca
718-439-9012
Boro President Eric Adams
718-802-3700
LICH Update - Press Conference and Court TOMORROW - TUESDAY 6/3/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Tomorrow is an important day, important for everybody who possibly can, to be at the Press Conference and at Court -
to show the real-estate developers that they cannot roll over the local neighborhoods, to show Gov. Cuomo that he has miscalculated the sentiments of downtown Brooklyn and needs to finally change his position, and to show Mayor DeBlasio that he needs to stand by his previous statements and save the full-service hospital he has promised to preserve.
Concerned Physicians stands with the community organizations demanding justice in court, justice for healthcare in Brooklyn, and justice for the people of downtown Brooklyn.
We hope that NYSNA and 1199 stands with all of us as well!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!
Best regards, until tomorrow,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH case back to Brooklyn court for hospital ranking showdown vs. SUNY | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
New reality for hospitals: mad neighbors | Crain's New York Business
mcbrooklyn: Yes, LICH Is Back In Brooklyn Court Tuesday
LICH Update and call for action! - 1. june 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
The saga of LICH continues, and we need the support of everybody this coming Tuesday 6/3/2014 as explained in the first piece by attorney Jim Walden.
If you need any additional reason to support the Fight to SAVE LICH, scroll down to the next article and the subsequent ones to see how Downtown Brooklyn is being royally screwed by real estate interests, Albany and back-door deals.
Let's stay strong together,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Urgent: Rally with us on Tuesday at 9 am on the Courthouse steps
Dear all
Tuesday may be our very last hope. With SUNY having executed Peebles just days after our settlement with them, it seems very clear that misconduct continues to occur. We need to stand together in this next fight, which may be our last. Thanks to our sleuth extraordinaire, Barbara Gartner, our motion is strengthened by important new evidence. We need all community members and elected officials to stand with us Tuesday morning at 9:00 am. We will gather on the steps of the courthouse. I believe Peebles, Prime Health and BHP representatives will stand with us together to decry SUNY's manipulation of this process, effectively denying us the benefit of our original settlement. Please gather with us in force to make Albany understand clearly that Brooklyn will long remember this treachery.
Our motion will be heard at 10 am.
Best,
Jim
Jim Walden
GIBSON DUNN
Red Hook resident dies after delayed ambulance response, by George Fiala | The Red Hook Star-Revue
The unmaking of a LICH deal | Capital New York
(LICH apparently is a known toxic material/waste site. These could be minor issues but then no one can tell unless credible testings are done.)
SUNY dumps Peebles, moves on to Fortis | Crain's New York Business
LICH back at square one | Crain's New York Business
Bill de Blasio Has Not Regrets About Declaring LICH Saved | New York Observer
Brooklyn Hospital Center to double size of Emergency Department | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Last-Minute Deal Preserves ER, But Most LICH Staffers Pack Up - WNYC
LICH FRIENDS FOREVER - YouTube
LICH - ?In Memoriam - 5/22/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Most of you probably already know the news that's detailed in the 2 links included - I have also included a video link of Mayor DeBlasio's comments at a previous LICH rally for perspective.
The LICH that all of us know has been dying a slow death in recent months, and this court decision may indeed be the eulogy.
We await the "community needs assessment" - hoping it's more transparent and honest than the RFP process was - and await whatever else comes in the direction of downtown Brooklyn to provide full-care hospital services in an area where it's needed.
Concerned Physicians of LICH would like to thank everybody who has been part of this united effort to keep LICH alive -
-First of all, our legal teams - Arnold & Porter, especially Jeff Ruggiero, Andy Bogen and Hanna Fox -
and Jim Walden and his team at Gibson & Dunn.
-All the local community groups, who truly came together to make our coalition meaningful.
-The nurses and other employees of LICH, with NYSNA and 1199, who made huge contributions along the way.
-Patients for LICH, with their organization and support.
-And everybody else, who one way or another, contributed to the fight thus far.
I would like to hope that we still have a fight to fight - let's hope the "needs assessment" honestly shows what we all know already - a hospital is needed in downtown Brooklyn!
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Brooklyn judge approves plan to sell LICH to developer Peebles | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Tentative deal is reached, but it won't save LICH | Crain's New York Business
New York Daily News On Attempt to #SaveLICH – ‘A Waste of Time and Money’ | Cobble Hill Blog
LICH Quick Update - 20. may 2014 - no intro needed, it's Crunch Time!
With LICH deal ‘close,’ Brooklyn judge gives bidders one more day | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Judge gives LICH bidders one more day | Crain's New York Business
Scoring of bids gets airing in court | Crain's New York Business
(email from Skipp Roseboro, Community Advocate)
GETTING REAL ABOUT NEW YORK HOSPITALS
This battle is much larger than the possible loss of the 2 to 6 New York City hospitals that are on the chopping block. This is about the destruction and domino effect that their loss will have on surrounding hospitals and the likelihood of destroying our entire hospital system.
This is about the loss of the 12 or more hospitals that were lost during the 12 years of the Mayor Bloomberg administrations - and why we’ve allowed it to happen.
This is about stopping the piecemealing and penny pinching that we’ve been doing in a pathetic and shockingly weak effort, and realize that we’re in a true crisis and that we need to come up with advertising money and a unified and bold plan to save our local and national healthcare system. Perhaps, rather than a handful of organizations fighting for left-over pieces of the pie, a “Grand Coalition” could be put together to actually save the day. This could be repeated at the national level to have even greater impact.
Our health is one of the highest priority items that we entrust to our federal government; shouldn’t we address president Obama and the Congress to revisit and question the downside of lowered Medicare reimbursements and continued increases in corporate tax breaks, both of which are among the most serious factors in the loss of our hospitals, etc? Since numerous corporations hide billions in profits offshore and through loopholes, yet they and their employees still use our healthcare system, shouldn’t they be made to carry a fairer share of the healthcare and tax burden?
Yes these are difficult economic times but aren’t we going to pay as much and likely more in healthcare cost with and because of hospital closings? Aren’t we going to pay for the sick one way or another, with the only differences being in how many more will die, how many more will suffer and how much more the hospitals left standing will be overburdened?
NYC hospitals flourished extremely well for generations, when we pooled their monies into a “Hospitals Corporation” giving more to hospitals in greater need and thereby balancing the stability of our hospitals while at the same time providing quality care throughout the system and the city. The questions are:
We also need to address the fact that (at least once this past year), during coalition meeting for both Long Island College Hospital and Interfaith Hospital, it was suggested that the corresponding hospital was at or near the ability to meet their then fiscal responsibility. I was at that Interfaith meeting and a friend brought that same information back from a LICH coalition meeting. However unlikely, even if this is remotely true – even for a single day – then the solution to keeping both hospitals running, amounts to simple forms of tweaking (or significant changes) of these hospitals rather than their needed destruction. While Interfaith has a huge outstanding debt, that debt should be considered as a separate and independent consideration of that hospital’s ability to be self sustaining. That debt can be forgiven and/or retired in a variety of ways. Also, Interfaith hospital, itself, as an existing and non-crippled hospital might be able to assist in that debt reduction.
If we are serious about our healthcare and hospitals, shouldn’t we be looking into the history of those who have managed or most likely mismanaged our hospitals over the past few years? Do they routinely wind up closing hospitals? Do they, their friends or hidden companies and associates provide large contributions or business opportunities to public officials who are making decisions on the futures of our hospitals? As we look for new suitors to run our hospitals shouldn’t we use at least that much scrutiny? Shouldn’t we structure any new management deal with safeguards that limit some of the mismanagement that has assisted in the demise of our hospitals and also has left us holding the bag?
The bottom line is that from the Federal Government on down to our local organizations, we are giving the potential loss of our hospitals little more effort and money than if they were a handful of local corner stores. Also, why would we allow those who effectively have been trying to destroy our hospitals the chance to choose their own successor and means and level of profit – at least without our input? Shouldn’t we at least consider looking for our own qualified and sympathetic new management on the off chance that that winds up being our best chance and choice?
We haven’t hired any experts to help guide us, we haven’t forced our opponents to open their books, we haven’t looked for potential buyers that fit our own criteria and we haven’t demanded that Governor Cuomo satisfies our hospital needs, or get out of the way because: if he won’t we should do it ourselves – the need and the cost are too great to be left to political posturing.
We need to think of our hospitals at least as much as we cherish our other city infrastructures. We don’t abandon bridges and tunnels because their upkeep continues to rise. We may increase or decrease the number of our Police and Firemen as needed but we never let them fall below a critical amount. Our streets develop potholes and need ongoing care yet we don’t abandon them – then why should we abandon our hospitals when they provide us ultimately, with the same or even greater benefit than many of our other sacred infrastructures?
While some may argue that we may or may not have the business savvy to understand the dealings going on with our hospitals, there is no debate that we all understand that the need to preserve a hospital far out-ways the need for yet another condo. Rich or poor, condo-dweller or not, the loss of a hospital will force us all to travel the same lengthened street corridor to the next existing hospital, when time may be of the essence.
We need to acknowledge that we’ve been asleep at the wheel regarding the job of protecting our hospitals over the last 12 years. We need to fight and fight hard for the ones that are left. No Governor or Mayor can stand up against a million people who say that they are no longer going to take the short end of the stick when it comes to their healthcare and the needless loss of their hospitals. Start by going online to find hospital rallies to support and to be part of the doctors, nurses, workers unions and community orgs. fighting for all of us. Ask how you can join the fight. Build teams to write to Mayor de Blasio, Governor Cuomo and President Obama. Press all of the MEDIA to show our widespread concern. This will also let other New Yorkers know that this is an issue that affects all of us and that demands all of our due diligence and respect.
“TAKE CONTROL” - “DON’T LET MANAGERS & REAL ESTATE INVESTORS STEAL YOUR HEALTHCARE & HOSPITALS.”
“Skipp” Roseboro - community advocate
Brooklyn, New YorkLICH Weekend Update - 17. may 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Quoting Yogi Berra, The Doors and Gloria Gaynor on this update:
"It ain't over til it's over".
"Strange Days have found us........"
"I (LICH) Will Survive"
Best regards to all of us,
Toomas M. Sorra MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Competing LICH bidders asked to cut a deal | Crain's New York Business
Top LICH bidders discuss joint purchase of hospital | Brooklyn Daily Eagl
Long Island College Hospital loses potential buyer and now its ambulance services - News 12 Brooklyn
Brooklyn officials push SUNY to keep LICH open until new owner takes over | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
"LICH EMS to close next Thursday, despite prior promises to the contrary that they would keep the trucks running. 1873-2014
Disgusted
Regards,
Erik"
"History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. "
Karl Marx, The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon
(ca.December 1851/March 1852)
LICH LATEST -– Jim Walden, the attorney representing the six community groups and Public Advocate Letitia James, is headed to court this morning. He will argue that some of those selected to score the nine proposals for LICH did not heed the judge's instructions, and should therefore have their evaluations discarded. Walden is specifically targeting Fred Hyde, Judith Berek, Grace Wong, Larry Volk, Bill Thompson Sr. and Heather Eichin, according to unredacted scoring sheets obtained by Capital through a FOIL request. These are some of the most well-credentialed members of the panel, which was made up of academics, physicians and elected representatives. If Walden is successful, Prime Healthcare would move up to the second spot. That could prompt litigation from both The Peebles Corporation, which is currently negotiating with SUNY, and Fortis Property Group, which also scored higher than Prime.
...Why Walden's argument makes sense: The settlement made clear that the scorers were to award more points to the bidders who provided more health care. It didn't say how many more points, but it should have been fairly obvious what the intent of the rule was. So it does seem that certain scorers, particularly Judge William Thompson Sr., father of mayoral candidate Bill Thompson, ignored the rules.
...Why Walden's argument doesn't make sense: Walden negotiated the settlement and approved the rules that led to this outcome. Baynes signed off on the agreement. Some of the scorers had good reason to award fewer points to bidders they did not think could live up to their proposals. The fact that no proper controls or strict scoring rubric was in place may have been a mistake but a settlement can't be re-litigated more than five weeks after the results are announced. Baynes may also be hesitant to invite further lawsuits, which this would almost certainly do, because it might delay a new operator from taking over and jeopardize continuity of care, which Mayor Bill de Blasio called his primary concern.
...The Wild Card: 1199 SEIU seemed to have Baynes' ear last week. The judge was sympathetic to all the union had already sacrificed. If the union's attorney agreed with Walden, that could bolster his case. But don't bet the mortgage. Both 1199 and NYSNA fear lawsuits that could keep a new operator from running the hospital when SUNY is ready to leave, and 1199 SEIU's comrades in California have been engaged in a long-running bitter battle with Prime Healthcare so the union may be in no mood to facilitate Prime's entry into the New York market.
...MEANWHILE – Several local elected officials are asking SUNY to go above and beyond the requirements of a legal settlement and keep LICH open until a new temporary operator is found. It would be great for the community advocates if SUNY obliged but keeping the hospital open costs roughly $10 million per month, SUNY officials have said. SUNY Chair Carl McCall has said he'd entertain the notion if a deal was close at hand, but he does not want to get stuck without an end-date in sight.
LICH Weekend Update - 10. may 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Please do not ask me what is the status of LICH, $25 million, "who's on first, who's coming to bat, who's on deck" etc -
I have no idea!
Just hoping for the best,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH scores return to court | Crain's New York Busines
By Dan Goldberg
MISSED DEADLINE –- Brooklyn Health Partners was given another last chance, and it appears they blew it. Justice Johnny Lee Baynes gave the company until 3 p.m. Thursday to deposit a $25 million check with the court. I'm told they failed to do so. Baynes was explicit that the bid's viability depended on that check arriving. It is hard to see the Brooklyn judge giving yet another chance without his orders starting to sound meaningless. http://capi.tl/1kQ5Pst
TROUBLE SCORING -– Jim Walden, the attorney representing the six community groups that sued SUNY to keep LICH open, wants Baynes to disqualify some of the scorers. Specifically, the ones who awarded lots of points to the bidders who don't envision a full-service hospital. If Baynes agreed, Prime Healthcare Services would move from the fourth slot to the second, which looks pretty good given B.H.P's troubles. http://capi.tl/1sq8yxj
...The problem with Walden's move isn't the merits of argument. That can be litigated later. The problem for the unions, which once stood by his side, is the clock. SUNY can close the hospital on May 22 and if you start disqualifying scorers, it invites litigation from Fortis Property Group and The Peebles Corporation. That means a delay before someone can operate the hospital, which means LICH stays closed. One attorney said it would “send this hard fought settlement into chaos.” Even if those suits were quickly dismissed, which is a possibility, Prime doesn't have an operating license either. We are two weeks from the hospital closing and moving down to Prime scares the union attorneys who prioritize continuity of service.
"....if by small chance Peebles Corporation is awarded its second-place bid for LICH, it may mark another instance when North Shore-LIJ stands to make financial gains from the closure of another full-service hospital in New York. North Shore-LIJ is a partner in Peebles Corporation' plan to build an urgent care center complex at LICH.
As part of the Berger Commission's drive to close St. John's Queens Hospital and Mary Immaculate Hospital, both in Queens, the state Department of Health made a $3.5 million grant to North Shore-LIJ to expand emergency room services at its Forest Hill and Franklin sites. A year later, North Shore-LIJ received another state grant of $5.3 million to open an urgent care center in Rego Park, Queens, following the closures of St. John's and Mary Immaculate.
After the closing of St. Vincent's, North Shore-LIJ received yet another $9.4 million grant to open a failed urgent care center in Chelsea. North Shore-LIJ also received for free its use of the old O'Toole Building, which is being redeveloped into a glorified urgent care center in the West Village. Now, North Shore-LIJ may again stand to gain from its venture deal for LICH. The Peebles Corporation plan for LICH involves..."
http://ny-popculture-politics.blogspot.com/2014/05/Too-bad-HHC-didnt-backstop-LICH-restructuring-plan.html
Winning LICH bidder blows $25 million deadline
By Dan Goldberg 9:13 p.m. | May. 8, 2014
Brooklyn Health Partners, the embattled company negotiating with SUNY to purchase Long Island College Hospital, did not provide a $25 million check on Thursday, defying an order from a Brooklyn Supreme Court judge. Instead, the company told Justice Johnny Lee Baynes that it would provide a bond in the morning, according to a letter sent to the clerk and obtained by Capital. Baynes' clerk sent back a curt reply saying, "The Judge expects the language of his order to be adhered to specifically." It was not, despite the fact that Baynes made it explicit that B.H.P.'s viability hinged on whether the company could deliver that check. A B.H.P. spokeswoman did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The 3 p.m. deadline was the latest last chance for B.H.P., whose bid to take over the money-losing hospital was disqualified by SUNY on Monday, after state officials said the company lacked the financial and medical wherewithal to deliver on its ambitious proposal to build a 300- to 400-bed hospital and 1,000 housing units. B.H.P. was in court requesting that their disqualification be overturned, arguing that SUNY was acting in bad faith.
Baynes said he would be “gracious” and give the company another chance to prove its seriousness.“Lots of people can talk the talk,” he said. “Let's see if they can walk the walk.” He ordered B.H.P., whose bid scored highest among nine proposals, deposit a $25 million check with the court, which the judge said he could declare forfeited if he determines B.H.P. was misrepresenting its capabilities. Baynes said he might use that money to compensate union workers who would be laid off if LICH closes before a new operator has been found. The judge also ruled that SUNY is allowed to continue negotiating with second-place scorer, The Peebles Corporation, for the sale of LICH, which means there are--for now--two companies that have a legal claim to negotiate with SUNY for a piece of state-owned property worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Thursday's odd court proceedings were just the latest episode in the increasingly strange story surrounding the beleaguered hospital.
The rest of this wonderfully never-ending story is at
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/05/8545077/winning-lich-bidder-blows-25-million-deadline
Dan Goldberg
Health Reporter, Capital New York
(646) 493-2643
LICH Update - May 7, 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
The saga continues, as you can see from the articles below -
please keep in mind........
nobody has seen "the fat lady sing" yet!
(if you don't know the saying, it means "it ain't over 'til it's over".
And believe me, it ain't over!!!!
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH bidder BHP back in court vs. SUNY on Thursday | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
The end of the full-service hospital in Cobble Hill | Capital New York
LICH tumult deepens as SUNY moves on to second bidder | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Losing LICH bidder: I knew nothing about hospitals | Crain's New York Business
SUNY Ends Negotiations With Top Bidder for LICH | Cobble Hill Blog
Rejected LICH bidder to sue SUNY on Tuesday in Brooklyn | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
SUNY ends negotiations with LICH hospital bidder BHP | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
SUNY Pulls Out of Deal With Top Bidder for LICH Site - NY1
Team bidding for LICH delivers $25 million, but contract not in the bag | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH bidder Peebles wants to buy Clippers too | Capital New York
Long Island College Hospital in jeopardy again as sabotage accusations fly - NY Daily News
LICH Update - 1. may 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Not much positive news for LICH in the latest series of articles, but things have been tough before - for LICH, and for others.......
"You Gotta Believe"!! (Tug McGraw- NY Mets-1973)
So let's believe!!
Best regards to all,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Fight To Keep Long Island College Hospital Open Suffers Huge Setback « CBS New York
De Blasio to SUNY: talk to other bidders to take over LICH - New York Business Journal
Storm swirls around LICH bidder in Brooklyn, days before May 5 deadline | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Mayor calls on SUNY to pull plug on LICH bidder | Crain's New York Business
SUNY ready to 'move on' to next LICH bidder | Capital New York
Reconsidering the Saviors of a Hospital - NYTimes.com
LICH: The odd math behind the LICH bidding process (and "anaylsis")
Dear Friends of LICH,
It seemed reasonable to send out this email update on the analysis of the recent LICH RFP voting process, as well as a comment by Dr. Jon Berall, one of the recent LICH Ombudsmen.
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/04/8544330/odd-math-behind-lich-bidding-process=
From: dgoldberg@capitalnewyork.com
HEALTH EXCLUSIVE –- A comprehensive review of the scoring sheets used to evaluate the nine proposals for LICH shows inconsistencies in how the bids were evaluated, and demonstrates a deeply flawed process that allowed the 18 judges, some of whom had no health care experience, to rank proposals by whatever means they liked. I took a look at the comments the scorers provided and the final tally sheet. The scoring is arbitrary. One SUNY evaluator gave Fortis a maximum 70 points, while two community evaluators awarded the same bid 3 points. B.H.P, the winning proposal, received 70 points from two community representatives and 30 points from two others, while members of SUNY's finance committee warned that the bid lacked details and was based on “erroneous assumption[s].” Read the full analysis and view the final tally sheet. http://capi.tl/1fmaogc
_________________________________________________________________
From: intubate123@gmail.com
Sent: 4/28/2014 8:26:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: LICH
Hello All,
RFP breakdown of evaluations:
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/sites/default/files/Scan%202.png
Average Financial: seems like 15 pts = $40 M ( ccaco v BPH )
17 pts = $40 M ( ccaco v Fortis)
23 pts = $50 M ( ccaco v Pebbles )
Similar for the other hospital bids, excluding BHP.
I thought that the Settlement was written so that $$ was not to be the determining factor.
Technical :
SUNY:
top 3 were non-hospital bidders.
How could Fortis and Pebbles rank higher than CCACO and the other hospital bids? And significantly higher? If honestly done?
How were these evaluations done?
For what were the tech points given?
Clearly Not for having a hospital....
For what were tech points given ?
The Settlement was about maintaining a hospital.
Number 9 should alone be sufficient to reject this RFP result and get back to Judge Baynes' Courtroom, for an honest process.
Absurd and ludi-cress.
Insulting to Judge Baynes and to all persons expecting an honest outcome.
Number 9:
All hospital bids got zero technical points. ?!?
And Fortis got 70 points. ?!?
Interesting that " Litigants" 14 and 15 voted with/ for the non-hospital bidders.
They should have been with the SUNY team...
oopps they were on the SUNY team....but listed with the Litigants
Shell game and then some.
If number 14 and 15 " Litigants" are put where they belong in the SUNY Team that would change the results significantly and positively for all the hospital bidders.
my brain won't do the math.
It comes around to the same questions regarding 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
We still don't know how the evaluations were done, and if/ when we find out it will be clear that the game was rigged, or the Settlement badly/ loosely written to allow the condomen to be confident that they would win without a hospital.
In either case, the case should be brought before Judge Baynes to correct this obvious-to-all and lethal miss-justice.
Excuse the editorializing. "Just the facts, Mahm."
Re what to do if BHP cannot run a hospital (DOH):
SUNY must continue to maintain LICH as it was at the time of the Settlement.
Back to Judge Baynes' Court.
But " We the people" must submit an Order to Show Cause and a Request for Judicial In"something" (RJI) if we want Judge Baynes to become involved.
From his clerk Ms. Epstein Esq., last Friday: If we submit a OSC he can then consider it. No OSC and he doesn't/ can't get involved....
Clearly, that would be Jim Walden's place.
Much too long, regrets, I'm pooped, a little.
Regards,
Jon Berall
LICH Update - 26. april 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
It's very difficult to send a meaningful email about LICH, because questions continue to
swirl -
"50-foot towers, One billion dollars, resignation of NYS Commissioner Shah,
real estate deals, SUNY actions to speed up closing"
It all seems to be up in the air right now, hopefully there will be some clarity soon.
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
50-story towers eyed at Long Island College Hospital | Crain's New York Business
LICH supporters ‘astonished’ by SUNY’s plan to end ambulance service May 12 | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
New Long Island College Hospital could top $1B | Crain's New York Business
$8B won't save hospitals, it will dismantle them | Crain's New York Business
Dr. Nirav Shah, state health commissioner, resigns - Newsday
LICH: If BHP Goes Down, This Is Who's Up Next -- With No Hospital
R. Donahue Peebles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Roy Donahue “Don” Peebles (born March 2, 1960) is a real-estate entrepreneur, author and political activist. Peebles is the chairman and chief executive officer of the Peebles Corp.,[1] the largest African-American real-estate development and ownership company in the US, with a multi-billion-dollar development portfolio of luxury hotels, high-rise residential and commercial properties in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and Miami Beach.[2]Peebles' company has previously owned property near San Francisco inCalifornia.[3]
Peebles and his firm have been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Black Enterprise, Ebony,The Miami Herald, CNBC, ABC and he appears regularly as a guest host or commentator on CNBC, CNN and Fox to advise on real estate, economic and political issues.[4] In May 2009, Forbes listed Peebles in the top ten of the wealthiest black Americans.[5] Fortune magazine has estimated his wealth at $350 million.[2]
Background
Peebles was born in Washington, D.C. to Ruth Yvonne Willoughby and Roy Donahue Peebles Sr.[6] His grandfather was a doorman at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel [7] in Washington D.C. Peebles has said that assisting his father as car mechanic while still a child contributed to his strong work ethic.[8] At the age of eight, Peebles moved to Detroit, where he spent five years until returning to Washington D.C.[9] and completed high-school while serving as a Congressional Page.[10]
Career
In 1979, after completing his freshman year as a premed student at Rutgers University —he did not complete his degree—[1] Peebles became a real estate sales agent and appraiser in Washington, D.C. On January 9, 1983, at the age of 23, he established RDP Corporation, a residential and commercial real estate appraisal firm. Later that year, he was appointed to Washington’s Board of Equalization and Review, the real estate tax appeals board currently known as the Board of Real Property Assessments and Appeals. One year later, when Peebles was 24, Washington’s Mayor Marion Barry appointed him Chairperson of the Board[2] where he served until 1988.[1] Throughout the 1980s, Peebles hosted numerous political fundraisers for local mayoral, city council and presidential candidates.
Peebles developed a 100,000-square-foot (9,300 m2) Class-A office building at 2100 Martin Luther King Ave. SE. The building was the first new major commercial building built in the Anacostia section of Washington, D.C. in decades. Peebles was 27 when the project broke ground.[11]
During the early to mid 1990s, Peebles acquired commercial buildings and development sites in Washington, D.C. In 1990, Peebles founded RDP Assessment Appeals Services, a Washington-based commercial tax assessment appeals firm.
In the early 1990s, Washington Business Journal wrote an article citing Peebles as one of the “top fundraisers” in the city. He and his wife hosted fundraisers for mayoral candidates of New York City and Atlanta, the Governor of Maryland, and numerous congressional candidates. Peebles was invited to Arkansas to attend the economic summit held during the Clinton-Gore transition period.
Peebles moved to Florida and opened an office in Miami after a property deal worth $48 million collapsed. He began working on a public-private partnership with the City of Miami Beach. Two years later, he relocated his corporate headquarters to Miami. The projects included the Royal Palm Hotel, a 420-room and suite ocean-front resort consisting of three towers, in the heart of Miami Beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Other Miami projects include The Residences at The Bath Club, a luxury residential tower.[1]
In November 2010, Peebles' company was sued by D.C. Attorney General Peter Nickles for alleged overbilling; Peebles says the charges are politically motivated.[12]
Peebles is currently considering building a casino in Philadelphia[13] and owns a majority stake in the Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.[14]
Awards
In 2004, Peebles was elected as chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and has been recognized by various organizations for his leadership and innovation. Also in 2004, the Peebles Corporation was recognized by Black Enterprise as "Company of the Year."[15]
He has received numerous awards over the last 25 years for his entrepreneurial leadership, community service efforts and development abilities. Peebles’ most recent awards include Entrepreneur of the Year presented by Rev. Jesse Jackson at the 11th annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit; Corporate Citizen Award from One Hundred Black Men of New York;[4] the NV Award for Entrepreneurship;[4] the Hennessy Privilege Award for extraordinary community contributions; induction to the Martin Luther King International Board of Renaissance Leaders Hall of Fame at Morehouse College in Atlanta;[4] the Reginald F. Lewis Award for Entrepreneurship;[4] and Corporate Honoree at Amsterdam News’ 100th Anniversary Gala alongside Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Congressman Charles Rangel and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Peebles has also been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Johnson & Wales University and Sojourner-Douglass College.[16]
Politics
Peebles is a lifelong Democrat but has demonstrated his independence by challenging Democratic leaders on key issues such as taxes.[17] At the age of 14, he volunteered for Council of the District of Columbia Chair Sterling Tucker’s campaign during the summer of 1974. From 1976 to 1978, Peebles attended the United States Capitol Page School at the Library of Congress. He served as a page,[2] a legislative intern in the office of Representative Ronald V. Dellums (D-Calif) and served as a staff aide to Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich).[1] Peebles also formed a relationship with Representative Charles Rangel during this time.[18]
The Peebles have supported various congressional, mayoral and gubernatorial candidates over the years. In 1992, he hosted Presidential hopeful and Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton in his home for a fundraiser.[19] Peebles serves as a member of President Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee where he established himself as one of the campaign’s leading fundraisers in the nation. Peebles hosted President Obama at his home in Washington D.C. for a campaign fundraiser on August 8, 2011.[20]
In 2010, he considered running to become mayor of Washington, but he decided against a run due to his mother-in-law's illness.[2] Peebles' mother-in-law died later that year.
LICH Weekend Update - 13. april 2013
Dear Friends of LICH,
The LICH situation at present is a work in progress, waiting to see if Brooklyn Health Partners has all their "ducks in a row" and will be able to deliver on their proposed plan for LICH as a full-service hospital.
Stay tuned,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Mr. Cuomo’s Gift to the Cynics - NYTimes.com
Tearful goodbyes and a tribute to Long Island College Hospital Staff | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Long Island College Hospital | SUNY | Brooklyn Health
Firm Picked to Run LICH Paid $95M to Settle Medicare Fraud Suit - Cobble Hill - DNAinfo.com New York
New LICH has same problems as the old hospital | New York Post
LICH Weekend Update - 6. april 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
As you are all aware, the preceding week has been a very busy and encouraging one for LICH, but much work needs to be done in the next few weeks to assure and confirm the anticipated presence of a full-service hospital at LICH.
We congratulate Brooklyn Health Partners for being selected and will do our best to help them in these important next weeks.
The articles below will give an overview of event of the past week, and these articles and more are available on our website at:
As an attachment, you will find the official SUNY report of the voting process and totals regarding this recent process - of course there are many questions when one looks at the preset parameters and the final voting results - questions that may need to be answered.
Hoping for your ongoing support of LICH,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Can Potential New LICH Owner Run a Big Brooklyn Hospital? - WNYC
Long Island College Hospital Names Choice for the Future - NYTimes.com
Capital Health Care: The company behind the proposal to buy LICH | Capital New York
Winning Bid Sees a Future for Long Island College Hospital - WSJ.com
Brooklyn Health Partners Selected to Run LICH - WSJ.com
LICH bidder has ties to SUNY board chair | Crain's New York Business
Readers sound off on LICH, charter schools and the NYPD - NY Daily News
Another day, another delay for LICH | Crain's New York Business
LICH UPDATE - 27. march 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
It seems hard to believe, but the LICH saga continues in full force - yet again, there have been problems in the process, which you can all review in detail in the first link to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle article re: "alleged NYS interference" - take the time to read it, it's a microcosm of what our fight for LICH has been about.
It certainly seems again that the NY State Dept of Health, Governor Cuomo and his friends, and even the New York Times - last article link - are determined to close LICH at whatever cost.
The Coalition to Save LICH has fought the fight for over a year, and we will continue our fight until we have our hospital back.
The NY State "party line" is that there are "too many hospitals in Brooklyn, we need to close a few of them".
The "party line" is no more than a party for real estate developers and a party to celebrate the lack of appropriate healthcare services in downtown Brooklyn - and that "party"
IS HEREBY CANCELLED!
We will all continue our fight for LICH, as we have done, and perhaps it's time that NY State and SUNY take note!
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH plaintiffs threaten to return SUNY to court | Crain's New York Business
Back to court? SUNY denies claim of last-minute LICH voting interference | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH full-service hospital bids get positive reaction at Brooklyn forum | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
(including video clips from the meeting)
Prognosis negative: LICH advocates slam Related, Fortis overhaul plans • The Brooklyn Paper
Overview of the nine Long Island College Hospital (LICH) proposals | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
OPINION: An open letter to the staff of Long Island College Hospital | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH Weekend Update - 22. march 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
This is a very important period for the future of LICH - the bids have been submitted to SUNY and were posted last night on the SUNY website, which is the first link in this email.
On initial review, it seems that 5 of the 9 proposals are for full-service hospitals, which is certainly an encouraging development.
Please take the time to look thru the proposals on the SUNY link - they are long and detailed, but certainly worth your time.
following are articles from the past week, with the most recent first - included is an op-ed from the Daily News by Dr. Peter Smith, now at Brooklyn Hospital
Please also note that there will be a LICH COMMUNITY FORUM Meeting on Tuesday March 25 from 6-8PM at St. Francis College, organized by the community groups -
everybody is welcome.
Let's hope that full-service hospitals are indeed prioritized in the voting/selection process, as the agreement detailed - we have all fought the fight for this and will continue to do so.
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Here's the link to the SUNY RFP that are now online.
LICH Request for Proposal - SUNY
OPINION: An open letter to the staff of Long Island College Hospital | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH bidder Peebles adds Maimonides, North Shore-LIJ to proposal | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Let LICH die to save health care - NY Daily New
Bidder for Long Island College Hospital Has Checkered Record in Role of Rescuer - NYTimes.com
Capital Health Care: Prime Healthcare looks at LICH; GNYHA's concerns over budget | Capital New York
LICH Weekend Update - 3/14/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
I am forwarding links from the LICH-related articles in the press during the past week, and am also attaching a press release from the LICH community groups that are part of the LICH Coalition - I think the press release as well as the most recent articles sum up the current situation at LICH quite well.
We will continue and prevail!
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH bidding said to attract strong interest from full service hospital teams | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Hundreds to be laid off at LICH, as final bidding round approaches deadline | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
mcbrooklyn: Developers & Health Co's Show Up to Hear About LICH RFP
A New Kind of Hospital Emerges in the Bronx - WNYC
LICH is Family - YouTubeLICH Weekend Update - 3/9/2014
Dear Friends of LICH!
It seems to be "crunch time for LICH" in the next few weeks and we are all hoping for the best, and the restoration of our full-service hospital!
Stay tuned,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Potential LICH bidders hear from community | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH Advocates Meet With Potential Bidders - NY1
Hospital for sale: Panel members chosen to consider LICH bids | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Fwd: "full service hospital” is not guaranteed under the terms of the reissued RFP - see articles below
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/town-hall-concern-brooklyns-health-care-inequities-and-medicaid-waiver-dollars-2014-03-07
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/37/11/dtg-new-lich-proposal-2014-03-07-bk_37_11.html
look in comment below the article
Bill from Crown heights says:
The hospital is dead now, Plan close LICH was handed into Dept Health a few days ago and approved. (as per deal SUNY was allowed to go ahead with closing plan) Closing is set for May. It will take a new operator to present a plan to Dept health to keep it open now. All this was approved by community groups. Today, 9:21 am
Cuomo's role? from Brooklyn says:
$8 BIL comes into NYC for hospitals, but SUNY/pols don't send any to LICH (because they want the sale $$$?). Behind this devious plot vs. a hospital that served 100,000 through its ER in 2012, is a man pulling the strings -- and our media refers to him as Voldermort, the one who Must Not Be Named? Today, 9:58 am
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/02/8540837/lich-drama-charted?top-featured-1
LICH Weekend Update - 3/2/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Let's listen to what Comptroller Scott Stringer has to suggest and therefore let's keep up our fight to keep LICH as a FULL-SERVICE HOSPITAL.
The next step is a presentation by LICH Community groups, Physicians, NYSNA/1199 and elected officials to all bidders at the SUNY College of Optometry tomorrow Monday at 5PM as highlighted below.
The rest of the details of this new process are explained below and in the links provided.
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Ten Things You Should Know About the New LICH Agreement - LICH Watch - Curbed NY
Wanted: Full-service hospital at LICH
By Mary Frost
Brooklyn Daily Eagle - Feb 26, 2014
A new, revised Request for Proposals (RFP) for Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in Brooklyn was issued by the State University of New York (SUNY) and goes into effect on Wednesday.
Designed with the input of advocates for LICH, the new RFP is meant to attract bids from parties looking to operate LICH as a full-service hospital, and who can offer other services "consistent with the health needs of the community."
Beginning Wednesday, bidders interested in purchasing the 20-building hospital complex, located in the heart of booming brownstone Brooklyn, have 15 business days – until March 19 at 3 p.m. – to submit their best proposals. Evaluators will have until March 26 to consider and rank the proposals.
LICH's 349 Henry Street building. Photo by Mary Frost
All interested bidders are required to attend a presentation at the SUNY College of Optometry, 33 West 42nd Street, on Monday, March 3 at 5 p.m. Mandatory site visits take place March 4 and 5.
Questions are due March 11 by 5 p.m.; answers will be provided on March 14.
The complete RFP is posted online at http://www.suny.edu/hospitals/downstate/newrfp/
Reporter’s Notebook: Cuomo will decide LICH’s future • The Brooklyn Paper
Cuomo contributors Fortis, Related Companies bid for LICH • The Brooklyn Paper
Cuomo contributors Fortis, Related Companies bid for LICH • Brooklyn Daily
Copies of court settlement agreement and RFP requirement
http://www.suny.edu/hospitals/downstate/newrfp/LICH_Stipulation-and-Order.pdf
http://www.suny.edu/hospitals/downstate/newrfp/
LICH Update - 2/26/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Because of the recent intense activity surrounding the LICH situation, we have not sent out an email update in the past 2 weeks - but we know that information is being effectively distributed to most people by Patients for LICH, community groups, NYSNA, etc.
There are 28 links below of mostly articles, and some video clips, detailing the past 2 weeks activity, with the most recent articles first.
In summary, a settlement has been reached, it is no guarantee of LICH remaining as a full-service hospital but it is a better shot than we had a few weeks ago or a year ago, and the RFP process has been reopened. All the details of most recent developments are in the first articles.
Thanking all for your continued support of LICH, and counting on your continued support.
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Long Island College Hospital must find new operator to avoid service disruption | PIX 11
Deal Reached on Litigation Over Long Island College Hospital - NYTimes.com
Details of the SUNY - LICH hospital deal, unveiled in Brooklyn on Friday | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Statement from Preserve Park Slope on LICH/SUNY Agreement
Officials Declare Victory in LICH Deal, but Details May Not Tell Same Story - NY1
Mayor De Blasio Gets Pressed -- Daily Intelligencer
Settlement on LICH Does Not Guarantee Full Service Hospital - Cobble Hill - DNAinfo.com New York
LICH Settlement Awaits Judge's Final Approval - NY1
LICH settlement agreement reached, ending future litigation | PIX 11
Settlement announced on future of Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn | 7online.com
LICH bidder alleges improper move by rival | Crain's New York Business
Rift opens over LICH | Capital New York
Dueling Prescriptions for Brooklyn's Hospitals | Brooklyn Bureau
New York State's Health System Set for $8 Billion Infusion - WSJ.com
LICH bidding may be reopened | Crain's New York Business
$8B won't save hospitals, it will dismantle them | Crain's New York Business
LICH UPDATE - 2/11/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
There continues to be action on the LICH front, with confidential "settlement negotiations" going on among all parties since last week, sometimes marathon sessions lasting until 3AM.
Let's hope that there is a good outcome for LICH.
Contempt hearings have been postponed until 2/13/2013 pending the results of the settlement discussions.
Below you will find a listing of the extensive press coverage during the past week -
a lot of reading for all interested.
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LIC
LICH contempt hearing postponed again as SUNY talks in progress | Brooklyn Daily Eagl
(Comment below from Sue Raboy - Patients for LICH - about NY Times article)
This story in today's really bothers me. Now I know you can't always believe what you read in the paper. That being said it is still very upsetting
Anthony Sorris the 1st deputy mayor said on Friday and I quote from the article "that if Mr.de Blasio's attitude had softened it was because the hospital's owner, the State University of New York, had become more conciliatory toward the community and more transparent in its bidding process." He believes WHAT!
In another paragraph "he said that the administration would continue to try to maximize the amount of health care in any redevelopment, but that it also valued affordable housing."
OK, I really wanted the mayor to come out with a statement but NOT THIS. Can this be true? Can our mayor really believe SUNY is being more transparent? And, they want to maximize health care yet no mention of a hospital and they value affordable housing. 1st our mayor agrees with the governor and now he thinks SUNY is transparent. I am really worried. I too value affordable housing but not where LICH stands.. Hey, I live in Mitchell Lama middle income housing. And, now wonder if I made a huge mistake in supporting Bill de Blasio for mayor. This does not sound like candidate de Blasio. Friends told me he would change and not to trust him. Do I dare believe my friends who would never for him.
I am going to wait till tomorrow to calm down before I write a Letter to the editor.
And what do the rest of you think about this? Again, now I know why we haven't heard from our mayor who did win in part because of the Save LICH coalition that includes major unions>
Sue
Bidders’ Plans for Brooklyn Hospital Include Medical and Housing Needs - NYTimes.com
LICH bidder Brisa disqualified as SUNY board puts off vote | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Developers hype their LICH bids on cable TV | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH bidders provide answers, prompt more questions | Capital New York
SUNY delays Long Island College Hospital's fate | Crain's New York Business
Facing deadline, LICH bidders rally support | Crain's New York Business
Developers submit second round of LICH bids to SUNY | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH Update - 2/04/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
It seems that things regarding LICH continue to both move at high speed and not move at all -
There have been a series of developments in the past few days, which makes this email update necessary!
As a summary, it is enough to say that-
-State Senator Velmanette Montgomery has "jumped ship" and gone over to the SUNY camp
-NYS Health Commissioner Shah stated that LICH would "not be eligible for Federal "hospital bailout funds since it could not reduce hospital bed census by 25%".
(I guess he forgot that SUNY reduced it by 75% in July 2013 in violation of the Court)
-SUNY's fictitious "deadline" for re-submissions of RFP's has passed yesterday
-Reconfigured submissions to SUNY have been "sort-of" publicized.
-New Brooklyn Boro Pres Eric Adams has decided on short notice to get active in the LICH situation starting tomorrow.
-There continue to be a TON of questions about this apparent attempt to ram through a new RFP in 5 days and all the other associated issues.
Please review the details in all the news story links listed below and remember -
"May the Force be with You (LICH)"!
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LIC
Brooklyn BP Adams to broadcast LICH Q & A on Wednesday | Brooklyn Daily Eagl
Developers submit second round of LICH bids to SUNY | Brooklyn Daily Eagl
Dueling numbers in the battle over LICH | Capital New York
STATEMENT RE TODAY'S LICH DEVELOPMENTS - Feb 3, 2014
JEFF STRABONE
BOARD MEMBER, COBBLE HILL ASSOCIATION
The LICH community expects the future LICH to change but not to change from a hospital into something that cannot be called a hospital. The number of certified beds at LICH has been higher than the number of staffed beds for over a decade: that is one area where change would be welcome. When politicians talk of 'transforming' LICH while carefully avoiding the word 'hospital', the community begins to doubt their intentions.
Last summer I went to jail alongside Bill de Blasio fighting to keep LICH open as a hospital. I was proud to support candidate de Blasio's call for a moratorium on hospital closings. But let's be clear: when a hospital becomes something that is not a hospital, that means a hospital has closed. The H in LICH stands for Hospital. It doesn't stand for Band-Aid Central or for a bogus 'free-standing' ER.
When SUNY and Governor Cuomo say there's a surplus of hospital beds in Brooklyn, they're using false numbers based on a bogus counting methodology. The trick of relying on certified beds versus staffed beds exaggerates the number of actual beds. This has been proven by the report of the Committee of Interns and Residents of SEIU Healthcare and has been widely reported by the media. (See links at bottom.)
The six community groups in the LICH litigation have crafted an RFP counter-proposal that is workable, careful, and positive. Even if in the end no hospital operator comes forward, it is the best shot to save lives. Intsead of reading our counter-proposal, SUNY announced last week that it was still restricting consideration to its favored respondents from the first round of its rigged RFP.
We stand with our courageous elected officials in calling for a new, untainted RFP process to determine LICH's future: Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Public Advocate Letitia James, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, and City Council Members Brad Lander, Steve Levin, and Carlos Menchaca.
Commissioner Shah's statement today that LICH would not be eligible for funds from the $10 billion Medicaid waiver proves his bad faith. His argument that LICH lacks a plan to reduce admissions flies in the face of the State's argument that LICH is an empty hospital that no one goes to. Either LICH has too many admissions or too few: the State cannot argue both at the same time.
Finally:
As for Fortis's offer of affordable housing at LICH, that is a trick that has been played one too many times in Brooklyn where we are still waiting for the affordable housing to be built at Atlantic Yards. Brooklyn will not be fooled by billionaires who dangle affordable housing promises in the face of our demands for health care.
Jeff Strabone
Cobble Hill Association
Another related blurb from Crain's:
No LICH Bailout
Health Commissioner Nirav Shah testified at yesterday's joint budget hearing that Long Island College Hospital would not be eligible for funds from the state's Medicaid waiver request. Only hospitals with a plan to reduce inpatient admissions 25% could get funds, Dr. Shah said. "That kind of transformation can occur with Interfaith. LICH is a different story," he said. It is unclear whether the lack of waiver funds will have any effect on the imminent sale of the hospital. As of Saturday, only three departments in the hospital were open???intensive care, the emergency room and pediatric ER. Just four of 20 ER beds were occupied. The hospital is equipped to handle basic urgent care, but patients with complicated conditions have to be transferred elsewhere, said a spokeswoman for the New York State Nurses Association, which advocates for LICH to stay open as a full-service hospita
Sen. Montgomery breaks with other Brooklyn pols, drops support for LICH | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH Weekend Update - 2/1/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
There continues to be activity on the LICH front, with a flurry of articles in the press surrounding the SUNY "LICH RFP issue".
In a nutshell, SUNY "reopened" the RFP process this past week to only the 5 finalist groups from the first go-round in July 2013 and gave them 5 DAYS to reconfigure their bids.
What else is new?
Elected officials refused to sign on to this charade, as witnessed by the attached letter from Public Advocate Letitia James.
Links to articles, a new LICH YouTube video, and a statement by Patients for LICH are included below.
The fight to Save LICH continues -
no Playing Ball with SUNY until they stop the
"holding, interference, offside and illegal procedure penalties".
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH Midweek Update - Jan. 29. 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
There has been a lot of action on the LICH front the past few days -
but nothing has still been resolved thus far!
One of our LICH friends, May, has compiled a list of most of the articles about LICH from the past few days, which I am forwarding - adding a few others.
The most interesting thought, expressed by many of us, community, nurses and physicians alike, is the following - now that this RFP process has supposedly been made "transparent", which it never has been - how can Carl McCall and the SUNY Board justify their previous statements on multiple occasions that "none of the RFP proposals included plans for a full-service hospital" - we await their explanation, which of course will never be given!
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Brooklyn officials denounce SUNY’s revamp of LICH RFP | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Cuomo and de Blasio grasp at an uncertain waiver solution | Capital New York
OPINION: Urgent care centers: what is their place? | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
North Shore-LIJ, Boca Raton Regional Create Unique Alliance
Saved again: $7.5 million released to Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20140129/HEALTH_CARE/140129853/suny-reopens-bid-process-for-lichhttp://firstandcourt.blogspot.com/2014/01/brooklyn-elected-officials-statement-on.html
http://www.suny.edu/sunynews/News.cfm?filname=2014-01-28-LICH_RFP-Release.htm
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/suny-%E2%80%98reopens%E2%80%99-lich-bidding-%E2%80%93-just-those-who-already-bid-2014-01-29-015800
http://www.brooklynews.com/20140129/brooklyn-elected-officials-statement-on-long-island-college-hospital/
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/9305
http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140129/cobble-hill/suny-seek-final-best-offers-for-long-island-college-hospital
Crain's Jan 28, 2014 -Brooklyn, Here's $43 Million
Just hours after Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke at a press conference yesterday demanding that HHS grant the state's $10 billion waiver request, his administration announced $56 million in vital access provider financing. But this wasn't just news of the latest round of VAP awards from the state Department of Health. More than $43 million of the funding is for Brooklyn hospitals. The governor made no mention of the VAP funding yesterday when he said Brooklyn hospitals would close without the waiver, and with good reason: Politically, the state's release of $43 million for Brooklyn hospitals makes the waiver somewhat less urgent. The VAP money, of course, is a fraction of the $1 billion of waiver money that New York state hopes to spend on Brooklyn's health care crisis. But $43 million isn't pocket change, either. The awards went to Brookdale Hospital ($14 million), Interfaith Medical Center ($12.9 million), Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center ($10.4 million) and Brooklyn Hospital Center ($5 million).
Cuomo: 'No Plan B'
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, "There is no plan B" to save endangered Brooklyn hospitals if the state's Medicaid waiver isn't approved by the end of February. "Plan B is hospitals close," he said at an editorial board meeting with Crain's on Monday. Of the $10 billion requested, $1 billion would be required to run Brooklyn hospitals through this year's budget cycle, he said. But even with HHS approval of the waiver, "our opening premise is we have excess hospital capacity." Mr. Cuomo added that the state's reputation as a wasteful Medicaid program could also be a factor in the lengthy evaluation period by the feds. "Nationally, New York has a very bad reputation when it comes to Medicaid," he said. "There could be some feeling HHS could be criticized politically if [it gives] money to New York."
SUNY Accounting Blasted
Supporters of Long Island College Hospital alleged in a letter sent last week to politicians that SUNY overstated the Brooklyn hospital's $513 million in liabilities. The figure includes $118 million in personal income tax revenue bonds, a SUNY loan of $75 million, $140 million to repay the Othmer endowment and $180 million to exit LICH. The $75 million loan is designated for Downstate and "has absolutely nothing to do with LICH," the letter alleges. Meanwhile, supporters said the LICH bonds would come due only if the hospital were taken over by a for-profit operator. Supporters also questioned categorizing the $140 Othmer endowment as a liability, said Jeff Strabone, a member of the Cobble Hill Neighborhood Association, one of the groups suing to keep LICH open. Part of the endowment was set aside to settle malpractice cases and should be available now that the statute of limitations on those cases is approaching, said Mr. Strabone. "And where's the rest of that money?" he said. "A $140 million endowment can't be called a $140 million liability unless somebody stole or lost $140 million." A SUNY spokesman declined to comment on the specifics of the letter, citing ongoing lawsuits. He said LICH liabilities had been discussed openly at several SUNY board meetings. "People are entitled to their opinions but not their own facts," he said.
Interfaith money in exchange for control
A new agreement between Interfaith Medical Center and its creditors gives the bankrupt Brooklyn hospital a $7.5 million cash infusion. But in a clear sign of the state regulators' deep frustration with Interfaith's board of trustees and management, the money is contingent on Interfaith's moving to the control of a new operator by March 14.
The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, a major creditor of the hospital and the source of its lifeline debtor-in-possession financing, stipulated that Interfaith must "transfer control and operation of and full financial responsibility for all of its operating assets together with related real property and personal assets" to a temporary operator appointed by the state Department of Health.
The replacement of a hospital's management with a state-appointed operator is a rare occurrence, a last resort of sorts when DOH's other efforts to negotiate with hospitals has failed. That was the case with Peninsula Hospital. The Queens hospital is closed, but its assets are still overseen by a trustee appointed during the bankruptcy proceedings after DOH shut down Peninsula's laboratory for dangerous conditions.
Interfaith's agreement with DASNY at a court hearing on Monday calls for the hospital to get a loan of $17.4 million, including a previously announced $4 million in vital access provider funding. The state awarded Interfaith an additional $12.9 million yesterday in funds from the VAP program, which is for safety-net providers. DASNY's new loan agreement for Interfaith is $25.1 million.
LICH Weekend Update - 1/26/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Included in this latest update are links to articles about LICH, as well as press coverage of the explosion in new housing in Downtown Brooklyn, the dangers of increasing wait times in overcrowded emergency rooms, and the most recent press comments about Gov. Cuomo and Mayor DeBlasio, 2 key elected officials involved in the future of LICH.
Recent activity has demonstrated that although a year has passed since the
Fight to SAVE LICH began, there is a unanimous consensus among local community organizations and local elected officials alike - agreeing with all of us in the Coalition to Save LICH - LICH must remain as a full-service hospital!
Thank you all for your continued support,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH Update - 01/21/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
Although scheduled contempt hearings against SUNY have again been postponed today by the Court in an effort to reach an agreement with all parties, there is some encouraging news reported in the press, as witnessed by the links to articles below.
We are hopeful that Governor Cuomo and Mayor DeBlasio will stand by LICH and demand what Concerned Physicians of LICH and all of the LICH Coalition partners have demanded for a year now -
A FULL-SERVICE HOSPITAL IN DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN!!
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH Weekend Update - 1/19/2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
LICH continues in the news, thanks to the efforts of the Save LICH Coalition -
I have included the following below:
1 - Links to recent articles from the Brooklyn Eagle, Crain's, and Capital New York.
2 - An excellent open letter from Julie Semente RN along with pictures from the trip to Albany last week to deliver 18,000 hand-signed petition signatures to Carl McCall.
A worthwhile read for all!
3 - Notes from Sue Raboy - Patients for LICH -
thanks to all the Coalition members for the ongoing effort to maintain LICH as a full-service hospital.
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, M.D.
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH supporters slam SUNY's Fortis-NYU plan as 'smoke and mirrors' | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Brooklyn Hospital wants to revise Long Island College Hospital plan | Crain's New York Business
SUNY: Downstate may have to close | Capital New York
LICH Update - 1/13/2013
Dear Friends of LICH,
There is clearly renewed "activity" regarding LICH in recent days, and we are therefore sending out the latest links and information.
The recent activity seems to include some efforts to divide the "LICH Coalition" which includes Concerned Physicians of LICH, NYSNA, 1199, and the surrounding community groups.
We have confirmed with numerous discussions today that the "LICH Coalition" remains intact with its demand for a "Full-Service Hospital" on the corner of Atlantic Ave and Hicks Street, and will not accept a so-called "stand alone emergency room" -
We are including an excellent opinion by one of our Board members, Dr. Saul Melman, who has been an ER physician for many years and certainly speaks from experience:
"My opinion with regards to the understanding of the NYU-Fortis plan, specifically that the LICH ED will be transformed into a "stand alone Emergency Room" without a full service hospital to provide services is a misnomer. "Stand alone ER's " work well in rural areas where distances/transport times between health care institutions is great. In these situations, stand alone ED's function to stabilize ill patients so they may be transported to other hospital where greater/intensive intervention is required. With the NYU-Fortis plan the LICH "Emergency Room” would in truth be an urgent care center as no critically ill patient would ever be transported to the ER by ambulance AND most patients with critical illness/or illnesses requiring urgent or emergent intervention who would arrive via private car or taxi would be better off going to an ER that is affiliated/attached to a full service hospital that care for patients suffering from stroke heart attack GI bleeding etc. etc. - longer transport.
The proposed 'Stand alone ER' is smoke and mirrors - this is of critical importance if the community surrounding LICH wants an emergency room which can provide emergent care and there and then immediately transfer care to inpatient services at LICH where minutes may make the difference between life and death - they should be aware that "stand-alone ER" would not provide this."
Best regards and let's keep up the fight
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH Update - Jan. 11, 2014
Dear Friends of LICH,
There has not been much action on the "LICH front" in recent weeks, but the past few days have brought a flurry of "activity" and new rumors.
Included in this email are articles detailing the possible involvement of NYU and Brooklyn Hospital in the LICH situation, comments about Stanley Brezenoff's appointment as an advisor to Mayor DeBlasio, and a call for action from LICH nurses and NYSNA.
Thank you all for your continued support of LICH,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
CRAIN'S HEALTH PULSE - 01/10/2014
NYU Langone seeks to provide services at LICH
When trustees of the State University of New York meet on Jan. 14 to possibly vote on the fate of Long Island College Hospital, the proposed real estate developer for the site, Fortis Property Group, will have a heavyweight new health care partner: NYU Langone Medical Center.
The hospital hopes to run medical services at 60,000 square feet of LICH, including a freestanding emergency department, cancer center, ambulatory surgery center and multispecialty physician practice. NYU Langone will provide the capital for the repurposing of LICH, which will no longer be a full-service hospital with inpatient services. Lutheran Medical Center will provide dental and behavioral health care as part of the project. The real estate development component is unchanged from Fortis' original proposal, which SUNY selected out of the responses to its formal request for proposals.
The inclusion of NYU Langone is a politically astute play. Last month, SUNY trustees tabled a planned vote to approve Fortis in part because Bill de Blasio, who opposed LICH's closure, would presumably have a hand in LICH's fate as mayor. His first deputy mayor is now Anthony Shorris—NYU Langone's former senior vice president.
Asked about NYU Langone's inside track to Mr. de Blasio, Dr. Andrew Brotman, the hospital's senior vice president and vice dean for clinical affairs and strategy, said, "The person in our corner works for the mayor, and the mayor makes the call. Tony's job is to implement it. We had conversations with Fortis, not the city. Fortis won the RFP."
The most significant modification of the original Fortis plan is the inclusion of a freestanding emergency department. NYU Langone's ability to offer complex emergency care at LICH's site may not be the full-service hospital demanded by community members, politicians and unions, but it somewhat addresses the void LICH's closure creates.
A competing proposal from Brooklyn Hospital Center also includes a FED. That plan may have emerged too late for SUNY to consider, but stranger things have happened in LICH's complicated recent history.
"We're excited about this. We think it's great," said Dr. Brotman. "But we understand the politics are extraordinarily complicated."
LICH Holiday Update - 12/25/2013
"It's a Christmas miracle," said Public Advocate-elect Letitia James, about Gov Cuomo's last -minute bailout of Interfaith Medical Center 2 days ago (quote from the last of the articles listed in this email).
Dear Friends of LICH, we have been fighting the fight for LICH for almost a full year, and we want to see the "NEW YEAR 2014 MIRACLE" -
LICH....... restored to a full-service hospital.
We are forwarding links to all the press coverage of LICH - open the first 2 links at least, and see what elected officials and press are saying.
"We are in it to win it!"
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Elected officials ask Cuomo to lift the curtain on LICH takeover process | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Daily News has it backwards, by George Fiala | The Red Hook Star-Revue
LICH and Interfaith supporters bring hospital fight to Cuomo’s NYC offices | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
A deal to transform LICH crumbles | Capital New York
SUNY Withdraws Development Plan for Troubled Brooklyn Hospital - NYTimes.com
SUNY Board Delays Vote To Turn LICH Into Condos, Urgent Care Center - NY1
As SUNY goes back to Appellate Court in another attempt to overturn judge Baynes & push for closure of LICH despite the standstill agreement, Cuomo gives Interfaith money to stay alive till March.
Interfaith Medical Center receives surprise three-month reprieve | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Cuomo buys time for Interfaith | Capital New York
video:
SUNY nixes plan to turn LICH into condos — for now | PIX 11
LICH Update - 12/18/13 - including press roundup from NYSNA
Dear Friend of LICH,
The action has been "fast and furious" regarding LICH the past few days -
sending along some articles as well as a press roundup from NYSNA regarding the recent SUNY Board action.
There is also a NYSNA action scheduled for Gov. Cuomo's office tomorrow - 12/19/2013 at Gov. Cuomo's NYC office - 633 Third Ave (between 40 & 41 St) at 4PM.
The battle to Save LICH and Stop Condos continues thanks to everybody's efforts,
Long Island College Hospital plan revealed | Crain's New York Business
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Keep the faith. Light at the end of the tunnel.
Another victory. LICH employees, patients & community members breathing down the necks of the SUNY Trustees at their meeting, the Vote to turn LICH into condos is met with division among their own board & the vote is withdrawn. SUNY finally feeling the pressure of our coalition.
Hello Everyone,
Below is the Press Round up from our actions yesterday compiled by Eliza Bates and her analysis of where the press stood with us yesterday. This does not include our twitter flury as documented by the Brooklyn Bugle. The link is below. Major victories all around- but still much work to be done. We live to fight another day! Nice work to all who took the entire day yesterday and hung in until we got what we wanted.
http://storify.com/BrooklynBugle/suny-blinks-tables-vote-on-lich-condos?utm_medium=sfy.co-twitter&utm_campaign=&utm_content=storify-pingback&utm_source=t.co&awesm=sfy.co_qLMc
Here are all the stories posted online in the past 24 hours. Also, BdB, Stringer, Levin, Velazquez all put out statements. Lander sent an angry Tweet which was almost better than a statement. Levin was there today.
LICH vote was also the topic of NY1 The Call this eve - Jeff Strabone was the guest and some of our nurses called in. Will circulate when it posts online tomorrow. ABC7, CBS, NY1, News12, Pix11, NYT, WSJ, NY Post, DNA Info, Capital NY, Epoch Times, WNYC were all there today. We had them focus on community members and patients for interviews since the NYT yesterday portrayed the movement as being only the unions and with the community ready to accept an urgent care center. I think that narrative will be harder for them to try to pull off now. Anemona even quoted Jeff in newest story - after much cajoling to get an actual community voice in there.
New York Times - Dec 16, 2013
Long Island College Hospital, which became a symbol of New York City's struggling community hospitals during the mayoral race, is considering an offer to redevelop the property to include condominiums and an urgent care center.
Condos, Urgent Care Facility Considered for Long Island College Hospital
DNAinfo - 12 hours ago
COBBLE HILL — Long Island College Hospital could be redeveloped to include condominiums and an urgent care center without a full-service hospital, according to a report. A developer has offered to buy the hospital property and lease most of the main ...
SUNY Pulls Condo Proposal for Long Island College Hospital
DNAinfo - 4 hours ago
Fortis Property Group, a Brooklyn-based real estate firm, had hoped to buy the hospital property and create a “medical multi-specialty facility” and lease most of the main building to ProHEALTH, and other health care providers, to operate an urgent care center ...
SUNY Board Delays Vote To Turn LICH Into Condos, Urgent Care Center
NY1 - 57 minutes ago
Turning Long Island College Hospital into condos is off the table for now. In a surprise move, SUNY's Board of Trustees is leaving the fate of the cash-strapped hospital a matter to be considered when Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio, one of its biggest defenders, ...
SUNY Withdraws Development Plan for Troubled Brooklyn Hospital
New York Times - 2 hours ago
The State University of New York on Tuesday withdrew a plan to build condominiums on the property of the troubled Long Island College Hospital, after dozens of angry protesters complained that the community had not been consulted.
SUNY to vote today on sale of LICH to condo developer — but fight to save ...
Brooklyn Daily Eagle - 19 minutes ago
SUNY Downstate Medical Center will be pushing ahead on Tuesday with its long-contested plan to sell Long Island College Hospital (LICH) to a real estate developer, a move fought by advocates for LICH for almost a year. SUNY is expected to name the ...
In surprise vote, SUNY board puts off plan to turn LICH into condos and urgent ...
The Brooklyn Bureau - 2 hours ago
Supporters of Long Island College Hospital (LICH) were jubilant late Tuesday after the SUNY board of trustees voted to table a resolution that would have allowed SUNY Downstate to begin negotiations to turn LICH into condos and an urgent care center.
Fortis Property Looking to Buy Long Island College Hospital
The Epoch Times - 4 hours ago
NEW YORK—Fortis Property Group, in partnership with ProHEALTH, is the favored bidder to buy the financially troubled Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. The proposal would see LICH become a mixed-use residential property, ...
Long Island College Hospital operators mull condo plan
The Real Deal Magazine (blog) - 9 hours ago
The Long Island College Hospital in Cobble Hill, under the ownership of SUNY Downstate Medical Center, is reviewing a developer's proposal to convert the site into condominiums and an urgent care facility. The developer, whom SUNY officials planned to ...
Sources: SUNY Considering Turning LICH Into Condos And Urgent Care Center
NY1 - 6 hours ago
SUNY Downstate's plans to redevelop Brooklyn's Long Island College Hospital into condominiums and an urgent care center, sources say, are being discussed today as advocates voice their opposition. As community members feared, ambulances would no ...
A deal to transform LICH crumbles
Capital New York - 1 hour ago
In a surprising move Tuesday, SUNY officials withdrew a plan that would have turned Long Island College Hospital into luxury condos and a medical facility, leaving uncertain the fortunes of the troubled Cobble Hill hospital. SUNY chair Carl McCall, seeking a ...
SUNY Downstate Board of Trustees vote to delay Long Island College Hospital ...
News 12 Brooklyn - 34 minutes ago
MANHATTAN - SUNY Downstate's Board of trustees voted today to delay the closure of the Long Island College Hospital. The board rejected a proposal from a real estate developer to turn the area into condos and an urgent care and fitness center.
Possible LICH Redevelopment Includes Urgent Care Center and Condos
Patch.com - 6 hours ago
The Long Island College Hospital saga continued Monday when SUNY officials announced a developer's plans to buy the property and develop condos, but also lease much of the block to one or more health care providers. According to a report in the New ...
Trustees to consider LICH redevelopment plan
Capital New York - 16 hours ago
SUNY trustees will vote Tuesday on whether to accept an offer to redevelop parts of Long Island College Hospital. The bidder has not yet been disclosed but a SUNY official said it will maintain some health facilities for the community while also turning part of ...
Condo plan for LICH scrapped
7Online.com - 51 minutes ago
SUNY Board of Trustees withdrew a developer's proposal that would've transformed Long Island College Hospital into a mixed-use residential and medical center, but not a hospital. Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio, who led the fight to keep LICH open, opposed the ...
Velazquez on LICH Redevelopment Plan
Sacramento Bee - 8 hours ago
Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) issued the following statement regarding media reports that SUNY is considering a redevelopment proposal for Long Island College Hospital: "SUNY is doing the opposite of what the community wants - going forward unilaterally ...
Elected officials ask Cuomo to lift the curtain on LICH takeover process
Brooklyn Daily Eagle - Dec 16, 2013
Expressing concern with the secrecy surrounding SUNY Downstate's process of finding a new operator for Long Island College Hospital (LICH), Brooklyn officials sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday with a list of requests “to facilitate a more ...
Condos, Urgent Care Could Be Next For Troubled BK Hospital
Curbed NY - 13 hours ago
suny-lich-12-13.jpg The future of Cobble Hill's Long Island College Hospital has been up in the air for months now, but the Times reports that a plan for its redevelopment is strongly being considered by hospital operator State University of New York.
Battle for LICH is Not Over: Lawyer for BHA and Others
Brooklyn Heights Blog (blog) - 10 hours ago
The Brooklyn Heights Association has sent us a letter from Jim Walden of Gibson Dunn LLP, attorney for the BHA and other petitioners opposing the closure of Long Island College Hospital. In it, Mr. Walden assures those concerned that even if, as expected, ...
Sure Seems Like Cuomo, McCall And SUNY Still Like The Sound Of LICH Condos
Brooklyn Heights Blog (blog) - 12 hours ago
The New York Times reports today, that SUNY will present a plan to sell Long Island College Hospital to a developer who would turn much of the property into condos. This is not a shock to anyone reading between the lines in the long SaveLICH drama.
SUNY to vote on selling LICH to condo developer
Metro.us - 8 hours ago
A condo developer has made an offer to buy Long Island College Hospital, and SUNY's Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday morning to vote on the sale. The potential buyer plans to lease the main hospital building to one or more health ...
Happy Holidays to all and congratulations.
In unity and solidarity,
Eliza Carbon
Area Director
Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island/New Jersey Region, NYSNA
131 West 33rd Street 4th floor
NY,NY 10001
646-640-3173- Office
347-213-0737- Cell
212-785-0429- Fax
LICH Update - 12/14/2013 (including clarification re: previous Update)
Dear Friends of LICH,
With the most recent LICH Update, I included my personal comments and observations about the status of the LICH situation.
Judging from the feedback, my opinion was not well received.
I would therefore like to reiterate:
1 - My observation that LICH as we know it is "history" - because of politics, finance people, and real estate interests was MY PERSONAL OPINION.
2 - This opinion is NOT the official position of the Board of Concerned Physicians of LICH, its individual members, or its legal team.
3 - The attorneys of Concerned Physicians, along with all of us, the Board members, continue to fight for "LICH needs to be a full-service Hospital".
4 - If anybody wants to discuss the issue of my opinion, which is not based on any "secret, inside knowledge" please email me directly and do not harass other CP Board members.
5 - The entire LICH "family" continues in the fight to not only keep LICH alive, but restore it to where it was - we are still all "in it to win it"!
With that said, I am including:
1- An "Open Letter" from Jim Walden (cleaner copy of letter attached)
2- Pictures from the LICH Rally on 12/13/2013
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
LICH Update - 12/11/2013
Dear Friends of LICH,
This is the first "LICH Update" in a while, since things have been quiet.
Nevertheless, although there has been no direct action, with the rescheduled court date for contempt scheduled for next week, rumors continue to fly.
I am including links below to the few articles that have appeared recently, the latest YouTube video link, and a copy of the "main rumor" including a call to attend a Rally for LICH this Friday 1/13/2013 @12PM.
If you have continued to read this email to this point, I will offer my "2 cents" on our LICH situation at present - and this is only my personal opinion! (not trying to be negative, just realistic)
In a nutshell - Unfortunately - I think LICH is "history" - that means "gone, kaput, whatever"
We have fought the fight for the past year, and done it well -
nevertheless, I believe that the finance guys, the politics, and the real estate interests have won out over the needs of the people of downtown Brooklyn -
I hope I'm wrong, because whatever the blogosphere has said, LICH is and has been a damned good hospital.............
We will see very soon -
I thank all of you for all your efforts, hope to see you all this Friday at the rally and hope you can help Bill DeBlasio keep his promise to LICH.
Best regards and best wishes for the holidays,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
De Blasio's Hospital Bill Comes Due by Bob McManus - City Journal
? WE BELIEVE (Giving Up Not an Option) - YouTube
Thankful for Long Island College Hospital
There is a panic rumor just heard that was supposedly passed on by Judge Thompson.
According to the rumor, SUNY is going to seal the 500million dollars
deal with the Citi Group for assets sale in violation of all the
courts' order by excluding any provision for accommodating a clinical
facility here at the LICH.
There will be an emergency rally on Friday December 13th to protest
against Gov. Cuomo where they are hoping for a major protest with
local politicians and media in attendance.
The panic involves the fact that the SUNY and the Citi Group are going
to sign an irreversible RFP by this Sunday.
THANKFUL FOR LICH RALLY
JOIN US ON
FRIDAY, DEC. 13TH 12PM
IN FRONT OF LICH
339 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, NY
LICH Update - 25. november 2013 - Happy Thanksgiving to all
Dear Friends of LICH,
While wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, we're sending out a quick update of a few more articles that have accumulated since last week -
Perhaps you can digest your Thanksgiving turkey while reading the Red Hook Star's
hot-off-the-presses article:
"Skip Williams - Hospital Hitman"...............
Then again, that's probably better read the following day - why ruin a good holiday
get-together?
Aside from the article cited, we are including other links to newspaper article concerning LICH and the Brooklyn waterfront, as well as community opposition to the extensive planned expansion of Methodist Hospital.
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Meet “Skip” Williams – hospital hitman, by Kimberly Gail Price | The Red Hook Star-Revu
(Congratulations to Concerned Physicians Board Member Dr. Mendoza)
Thursday, November 21, 2013 9:33 AM
Crain's Health Pulse
Bill's Team
Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio yesterday announced 60 members of his transition committee. Those from the health care field are Dr. Steven Safyer, president of Montefiore; George Gresham, president of 1199 SEIU; Dr. Katherine LaGuardia, assistant clinical professor in OB/GYN at Mount Sinai Medical Center; Dr. Conchita Mendoza, chief of geriatrics at University Hospital in Brooklyn; and Dr. Rafael Lantigua, professor of clinical medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia. In addition, his transition committee co-chair Carl Weisbrod is chairman of the New York State Health Foundation's board of directors. The list of committee members is online here.
What can de Blasio do with Long Island College Hospital now? | Capital New York
Brooklyn Hospitals Retool in Face of Cost Crisis | Brooklyn Bureau
Elitist living coming next door to LICH
They said, The Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation has not yet requested proposals for the final residential site near Pier 6, which consists of two sites. Toll Brothers intends to submit a proposal, Mr. Von Spreckelsen said.
Just this alone makes LICH priceless.
Condos That Fund a Brooklyn Park - NYTimes.com
New York Methodist Hospital to Park Slope board: 'We're moving ahead' - NY Daily News
LICH Update - 11/20/2013
Dear Friends of LICH,
As many of you already know, the Contempt Hearing against SUNY scheduled for this past Monday has been postponed for 4 weeks because of Gov. Cuomo's intervention, in an attempt to reach a solution to the LICH situation with negotiations between all the parties involved during this time interval.
We are thankful that Gov. Cuomo has decided to finally participate in our effort to SAVE LICH, and we hope for the best.
There have been several articles and other LICH-related material since our last update, which are listed below - the first from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle gives a specific overview of the LICH situation, and the second link from "Noticing New York" gives a broad overview of LICH and Methodist Hospital and asks good questions that need some answers.
Thanks again for all your support,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
SUNY contempt proceedings on hold; Governor Cuomo gets involved in LICH | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
The $500 Million Question at LICH - WSJ.com
? GOT TO BELIEVE SUNY ??? - YouTube
SUNY Board of Trustee public hearing on LICH 11/15
at videotime 1:22. Chair McCall denied that LICH is being closed for condos & said "Real estate sale is not a consideration -- We Have No Plans to Build Condos"
http://new.livestream.com/hvccstreaming/BOTNov2013
BUT just before the hearing started, McCall was interviewed by NY1 & ADMITTED that proposals for condos are being considered:
NY1 On Today’s SUNY Hearing, McCall Says Condos Possible
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/63861)
C.F.O.: Long Island College Hospital has 1400 employees caring for 12 patients | Capital New York
LICH Weekend Update - Nov 10. 2013
Dear Friends of LICH,
I'm forwarding a few pieces of recent info regarding our effort to SAVE LICH -
Remember that SUNY has a Public Meeting scheduled for Nov 15, 2013 - the information has been sent out previously and is on our website:
The contempt hearing against SUNY is scheduled for Monday Nov. 18, 2013 as you all know.
Your continued support is always appreciated,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
"Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it, is to help save LICH and assure that the predators attempting to close it do not achieve their goal......"
? MISSION POSSIBLE NOT IMPOSSIBLE - YouTube
"BOOK 'EM YOUR HONOR" - YouTube
LICH Ambulances Return Following Admissions Halt Earlier This Week - NY1
LICH Update - 11/7/2013 - The roller-coaster ride continues
Dear Friends of LICH,
The past 24 hours have presented another "roller-coaster" in the continuing LICH effort, with SUNY/Downstate announcing last evening that admissions to LICH would be stopped and ambulances to LICH would again be put on diversion, and this afternoon announcing that these decisions have been reversed, and previous services would be restored.
I have included links below to the relevant articles about this issue from the past few days,
but make no mistake about it - whatever their press releases say -
SUNY/Downstate has deliberately and systematically made decisions regarding physician contracts and staffing at LICH during the past months that have created a situation where the LICH Emergency Department, at present, does not have the needed backup and specialists to perform its work - no surgeons, no OB/GYN, no GI procedures - because of SUNY decisions!!
This, and many other examples too numerous to list!
The legal efforts of all of our Coalition attorneys remain a critical part of the effort at present, and of course we await the Court contempt hearing against SUNY scheduled for Nov 18th, and any other Court appearances that SUNY may force us to schedule.
Nevertheless, be assured that the support of all of YOU -
Community residents in the downtown Brooklyn area, community organizations, LICH physicians, nurses and employees, and supporters from throughout New York City, starting with Mayor-elect DeBlasio and going to the LICH clinic patient who can no longer get her pre-natal care -
is essential and continues to be critical if LICH is able to successfully fight the attack of SUNY and restore itself as a premier hospital in Brooklyn.
Best regards,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
SUNY to restore ambulances, ‘limited admissions,’ to LICH on Friday | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
It’s a shoot and a miss for indefatigable ombudsman Jon Berall • Brooklyn Daily
http://nypost.com/2013/11/02/struggling-hospitals-being-preserved-by-politics-not-good-medicine/
mkn3 minutes ago
Clearly it is the SUNY Downstate Hospital not the Long Island College Hospital that was the one hemorrhaging money. SUNY has no spectacular assets like LICH to compensate for its loses. And SUNY cannot attract high paying patients to its hard to get to neighborhood, and it does not own versatile facilities to accommodate the future growth in wide ranging healthcare services like the LICH.
Statement from SUNY Director of Communications David Doyle on Long Island College Hospital
For Immediate Release: Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013
Contact: David Doyle; David.Doyle@suny.edu; 518-320-1311
“Last night, because of a shortage of medical specialists, measures were taken in conjunction with FDNY to ensure that Long Island College Hospital did not receive patients beyond its capabilities.
“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 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.
“In September, the hospital voluntarily agreed to partially restore ambulance-receiving status for basic medical cases brought by the FDNY. 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.”
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating nearly 463,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs, and more than 1.8 million NYS citizens in professional development and personal enrichment programs, on 64 college and university campuses. There are nearly 3 million SUNY alumni worldwide. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu.
###
Ronald Najman
Director, Communications and Special Projects
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 2
Brooklyn, New York 11203
718-270-2696 - Office
718-270-3160 - Fax
917-842-1901 - Cell
LICH Update - Monday 11/4/2013
Dear Friends of LICH,
I am forwarding the latest updates re: LICH, which include:
1 - articles from the Brooklyn Paper and Brooklyn Daily Eagle (first article addresses apparent discussions between Gov. Cuomo and soon-to be Mayor DeBlasio and the status of LICH)
2- A letter from Mercedes Crespo to Gov. Cuomo
3 - Information about an upcoming Public Meeting of the SUNY Board of Trustees scheduled for November 15, 2013 - please note the deadline for signing up to give testimony.
Please also remember that Justice Baynes has scheduled a Contempt Hearing re: SUNY for November 18, 2013 - further details will follow.
Best regards,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Symposium on ‘The Selling Of Public Assets’ Sunday in Brooklyn Heights | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP, DEBLASIO’S LAWYER CALL FOR A JUDGE TO PUT THE SCREWS ON GOV. CUOMO’S UNDERLINGS FOR THE HOSPITAL’S NEAR-DEMISE
Cuff ’em! Activists want state officials prosecuted for handling of LICH
Neighborhood group, DeBlasio’s lawyer call for a judge to put the screws on Gov. Cuomo’s underlings for the hospital’s near-demise
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/36/44/dtg-lich-accountability-2013_11_01_bk.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am responding to the email sent by Governor Cuomo's office relative to the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. SUNY @ Long Island College Hospital, a Brooklyn hospital Governor Cuomo's leadership is pushing to close, serves the "Red Hook" community, an under served area hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy. This speaks volume of his leadership of New York State. LICH remained open during the storm and treated the medical needs of patients from the Red Hook community. As a resident of Boerum Hill, I would like to see the Governor step up and address the SUNY/LICH issue. So disappointed in his leadership.
Mercedes Siberon-Crespo
175 Wyckoff Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
_____________________________________________________________
NOTICEOF BOARD OF TRUSTEES PUBLIC HEARING
THE STATE UNIVERSITY of NEW YORK
October 15, 2013
■ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING■
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
TO:
All Concerned Individuals
FROM:
Mr. H. Carl McCall, Chairman, Board of Trustees State University of New York
DATE, PLACE AND TIME:
November 15, 2013 (In conjunction with the November 15, 2013 Board of Trustees Meeting) Fashion Institute of Technology
Dubinsky Building
8th Avenue at 27th Street New York, New York 2:30 p.m.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the State University of New York Board of Trustees Public Hearing is to receive testimony and statements from concerned individuals about university issues.
IN ORDER TO REGISTER TO SPEAK AT THE HEARING:
1. Persons wishing to present prepared testimony to the Board are requested to email the Board of Trustees at trustees@suny.edu or write to Board of Trustees, State University Plaza, T-11, Albany, New York 12246; such communication to be received no later than noon on Friday, November 8, 2013. In your letter, please identify in a brief fashion the subject of your testimony and provide Mr. Howard, Secretary of the University, with a telephone number, as well as an address, so that he can confirm that you have a reserved place on the agenda. Such testimony will be limited to five minutes, and the speakers will be requested to provide seven copies of their written testimony to the Hearing Registration Officer prior to the day of the Hearing.
2. Persons who wish to make brief extemporaneous comments (no more than three minutes) are requested to file their names with the Hearing Registration Officer on the day of the Hearing, in advance of the beginning of the Hearing. Time for such comments will be set aside at the end of the Hearing, and such persons will be called upon in the order in which they register with the Hearing Registration Officer.
LICH Update - 31. october 2013
Dear Friends of LICH,
The fight to save LICH continues, as witnessed by the video links and articles included below -
There was a standing-room only meeting of the Cobble Hill Assn on Monday night, with a clear-cut consensus that LICH will survive, if all of us continue our joint effort!
Proposed layoffs for LICH employees have been rescinded, and a contempt hearing for SUNY is finally on the calendar for November 15th.
In the end, "We Will Win"............
Best regards and thanks for your continued support,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
? Jim Walden speaks at Cobble Hill Association Meeting, October 28, 2013 - YouTube
Cobble Hill Association seeks to answer: ‘What the heck is going on at LICH?’ | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Bill de Blasio Proposes Court Action to Stop Hospital Layoffs | Politicker
Planned layoffs at Long Island College Hospital postponed by SUNY Downstate
Crain’s Health Care Symposium asks: 'Can Brooklyn be cured?' | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH Update - 25. october 2013
Dear friends of LICH,
The fight to SAVE LICH continues, as witnessed by the articles highlighted below -
there is also a scheduled meeting of the Cobble Hill Association on Monday evening, which everybody is invited to attend.
Panelists will include representatives of all the interested parties, including Concerned Physicians, NYSNA, 1199, Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio, and the ombudsman Dr. Berall.
It should be an interesting meeting.
Best regards to all,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Letter: A LICH ombudsman says Cuomo’s loyalty lies with the condo kings • The Brooklyn Paper
Upcoming LICH hearing 10/23/2013 and other events
LICH hearings
2 Dates: Supreme Court, 360 Adams St (opposite Borough Hall)
Oct 23 Judge Demarest courtroom 2:30pm
Nov 18 Judge Baynes courtroom (CONTEMPT hearing!) 10am
1) On Wednesday, October 23rd at 2:30 pm, Judge Demarest will have a proceeding, at which she may decide whether she will allow an evidentiary hearing on our attorneys' motion, on behalf of the community and Public Advocate, to vacate her May 2011 approval of the SUNY take-over of LICH.
2) On November 18 at 10 am, Judge Baynes has scheduled a contempt hearing, and we anticipate calling witnesses at that hearing.
Also, below are additional important dates. Please be there & be sure to pass the following message on:
1) Following the Oct 23rd Demarest hearing, NYSNA will hold a townhall meeting at LICH in 1st Fl conference rooms starting at 6:30pm, with legal updates.
2) On Saturday Oct 26th, NYSNA will have a booth at the RedHook event at PS15, collecting petitions that tell Gov Cuomo to keep LICH open as a full service hospital. Please be there to help with petitions anytime from 10a - 5pm.
3) On the evening of Monday Oct 28, at 7:30PM there will be a community meeting held by the Cobble Hill Assoc. Legal actions will be explained. Meeting at Cobble Hill Nursing Home Health Center, Henry St.
4) On Nov 18 at 10 am, Judge Baynes has finally scheduled a contempt hearing, and witnesses may be called. The long-awaited hearing over SUNY's blatant violation of court orders!
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND BOTH COURT DATES (10/23 & 11/18) and the other events.
LICH Update - 20. october 2013
Dear friends of LICH,
Just sending on the bits and pieces re: LICH that have accumulated this past week -
-email from Dr. Garner
-email from May Ng
-links to articles about LICH
LICH is still alive, and will continue to live with all of your support!
Best regards,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
SUNY fights back against recent LICH court orders | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Two New Orders Continue To Pause LICH Closure Plans - NY1
Judge halts Brooklyn hospital closure | Crain's New York Business
Time to take LICH off life support - NY Daily News
LICH - Calling Bklyn DA Hynes re:SUNY - and much more
Hello again friends of LICH -
I guess when it rains, it pours - not much in a few weeks and now a flurry of "activity".
I am forwarding the following, included below:
1 - Appeal by Susan Raboy (Patients of LICH)
2- Appeal from Maria Roca (Friends of Sunset Park) along with link to Brooklyn Eagle article.
3 - Link to article about SUNY and Corruption - written by LICH employee
4 - Link to a blog article about healthcare scandals in NYC that Continuum Health Partners has been involved in
5 - Link to NY Times article about a "Ransacked Endowment at NYC Opera" noting a comparison to the LICH situation
More than enough now for a second day in a row, let's keep the faith,
Best regards,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: suerab1@gmail.com
Sent: 10/13/2013 6:19:51 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Calling Bklyn DA Hynes re:SUNY
After Friday's morning's court session Jim Walden (lawyer for community groups) spoke with some of us. He asked if we could tell everyone to call Brooklyn's District Attorney Charles Hynes. I told him I would send out an email.
He said it is very important that we ask the district attorney's office to investigate the possibility that SUNY Downstate has misappropriated and criminally used LICH funds and endowments. And, that we expect SUNY to be held accountable for all monies spent and equipment taken since they took over operations of LICH in 2011.
The Brooklyn DA's phone number is 1-718-250-2000
Please spread this news.
Sue
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/development-ferment-atlantic-avenue-real-estate-bigs-work-brooklyn-retail-corridor
With all the new development this article is alluding to, in addition to the many retail and residential units built in the past 5 years, is there really anyone out there who could honestly believe that the Downtown/Bklyn Hts/Cobble Hill/Boerum Hill area cannot support a full-service hospital?
If they do, they don't know anything about planning or running a city.
M
María Roca
for
Friends of Sunset Park
JOIN US TO PRESERVE OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY BY BRINGING BEAUTY,
EDUCATIONAL + SERVICE PROGRAMS, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
TO A SAFE, CLEAN + RESTORED PARK...
with panoramic views of New York City + 9/11 Living Memorial Grove
FRIENDSOFSUNSETPARK-BROOKLYN.BLOGSPOT.COM
@FriendsSunsetPk
facebook.com/FRIENDSOFSUNSETPARK
On Sunday, October 13, 2013 11:50 PM, FRIENDS OF SUNSET PARK <friendsofsunsetpark@yahoo.com> wrote:
Definitely! I actually thought the ball was already rolling on this.
Further- Another call(s) that all must make this week is to Judge William C. Thompson and/or Justice Johnny Lee Baynes to demand that operational email addresses for the LICH Ombudsmen be set up ASAP- see http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/two-ombudsmen-appointed-lich-make-sure-judge’s-orders-are-followed-2013-09-05-205600 - Mary Frost's article in the Brooklyn Eagle. Ombudsman Dr. John Jack Berall MD, who was present at Friday's hearing confirmed that working emails have yet to be established for him and Dr. Eric Manheimer. As the situation stands right now, it looks as if there aren't any complaints against SUNY by staff, patients, families, etc. given the inability to submit said complaints; Judge Thompson was charged by Justice Baynes with the task of setting up the process, but Thompson has not followed through. The main telephone number at 360 Adams St. is 718.643.8076.
I'm hoping someone has direct telephone numbers to Judge Thompson and Justice Baynes and can share with the rest of us.
Best,
M
María Roca
for
Friends of Sunset Park
http://hcrenewal.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-adventures-of-purloined-bequest.html?spref=tw
A Ransacked Endowment at New York City Opera - NYTimes.com
LICH Update - 10/13/2013
There has been very little activity on the LICH front during the past few weeks, and therefore we have not sent on any updates -
Today's email summary is simply an effort to touch base with all of LICH's supporters and let everyone know that LICH is wounded, but somehow still alive.
There have been several court dates that have not resolved the ultimate fate of LICH, but members of the LICH Coalition including Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio's team continue to be in the fight to secure the independence and ultimate rebirth of a full-service LICH.
I am including in the long email below many of the articles and other pieces that have accumulated during the past few weeks for your perusal.
Hopefully, we will be able to soon report a successful conclusion to this long saga.
Best regards, and thanks for your contributions, on behalf of Concerned Physicians of LICH,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
LICH Weekend Update - 9/14/2013 - court decisions, links and more....
Dear friends of LICH -
There has been a lot of court activity on the LICH front, as you can see from the multiple links below as well as the actual court orders under "documents" on our website -
Justice Baynes delivered an important decision dismissing the plan to close LICH on Thursday 9/12/13 - please view articles and documents for details -
Thank you very much, Justice Baynes.
Justice Demarest has continued her court action regarding Othmer funds and related matters, with the next court date due on 9/25/13 - we hope for the best!
LICH continues open for care, although still on a limited basis -
the restoration of LICH as a full-service hospital awaits not only court decisions, but the continued support of the entire LICH family.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT ONLY THE LIMITED RETURN OF AMBULANCE SERVICE, WE DEMAND THE RETURN OF FULL-SERVICE MEDICAL CARE AT LICH!
We will keep up the fight, along with all of you,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
LICH _ Weekend Update - 9/8/2013
Dear Friends of LICH:
Although there has been a partial resumption of ambulance service to LICH this weekend, there are still many unanswered questions and the future of LICH is still not clear.
The latest court order on 9/4/2013 by Judge Demarest has set 9/11/2013 as the next court date - the full text of the order is on the website under "documents", as are all of the recent articles about LICH (links below) and a letter from a former CEO of LICH under "letters".
Your continued support is appreciated,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH - 9/5/13 - What's happening? do we know?
Dear Friends of LICH,
This is an attempt at an update of sorts but actually is a list of the issues and questions facing LICH right now for which the answers are not readily available -
I will try to list the issues involved as best I can, in no particular order of importance:
1-There have been numerous court decisions by Judge Baynes in the past several months, most of which SUNY/DMC has ignored - Judge Baynes court actions continue, please stay tuned.
2-Judge Demarest has issued a court order which is still out there, whereby she demands that SUNY not use LICH property and real estate and find a new operator for LICH -
this issue is clearly a work in progress.
3-Judge Demarest has also seemingly joined Judge Baynes order for the re-opening of the LICH ER and ICU, but this process continues to be delayed because of SUNY/DMC's unwillingness to properly staff LICH as they were ordered by the court.
4-Judge Thompson was appointed at the "referee" for LICH a few weeks ago - I'm not sure exactly what his responsibilities are, they have not been spelled out in any document.
5-Drs. Jon Berall and Manheimer were very recently appointed as the
"LICH Ombudsmen" - again, although an email address has been provided for them -
LICH.Ombuds@downstate.edu
and there is a directive to email them with any questions about LICH issues -
there are also multiple questions about this - who hired them, what is their job description, what are their responsibilities, who pays them, etc, etc................
6-Although by court order SUNY/DMC was forced to retract the letters they sent to LICH clinic patients and post notices that "LICH clinics are open until at least 10/31/2013"............
SUNY/DMC has still not sent contract renewals to the majority of fulltime LICH MD's whose contracts expire next Monday 9/9/2013.
This situation has forced the LICH fulltime MD's to stop scheduling patients past tomorrow, and will make it impossible for LICH clinics and private practices to stay open past this weekend - despite court orders.
The bottom line seems to be the following - despite news reports and court orders about LICH ER and ICU being reopened last week, this week, tomorrow...........
whenever..............
As long as SUNY/DMC continues to ignore court orders and not renew contracts -
there is no way that LICH will return to "business as usual" anytime soon, unless the court puts its foot down and all of us continue to say -
"We're mad as hell and we will just will not take this anymore"!
Best regards on behalf of Concerned Physicians of LICH,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
(info on website)
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
Contracts for LICH doctors expiring, no renewals coming from SUNY | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Two ombudsmen appointed at LICH to make sure judge’s orders are followed | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
LICH Update - 9/2/2013 - court proceedings and more...
Dear Friends of LICH,
The fight to SAVE LICH continues!
There have been a number of articles in the press the past week - we have included the links below and all of them are also available on our website:
Despite citations in the press that
"ambulance service will be restored to LICH on Sept 3rd",
there are questions whether this will actually happen - primarily because SUNY/DMC continues to ignore multiple court orders to adequately staff LICH and therefore allow a prompt re-opening of facilities.
The Concerned Physicians of LICH and all of the member groups of our Coalition to Save LICH have done everything asked by the Court - in effect to do what SUNY/DMC has refused to do, including providing a comprehensive list of MD's that can provide appropriate coverage for the re-opening of at least the Emergency Dept and other critical services.
Despite this, many questions remain.
There are court proceedings active on 2 separate fronts, as many of you know -
Justice Baynes and Justice Demarest - and there is a scheduled meeting in Court tomorrow (9/3/13) with Justice Demarest - her positions re: LICH have been clearly detailed in press reports.
We will advise you of tomorrow's developments.
Best regards,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH Update - 8/21/2013 - Analysis of Court decision and more...
Dear Friends of LICH,
Action on the SAVE LICH front continues fast and furious.......
Included in today's update are an analysis by the Cobble Hill Association of the significance of Judge Demarest's stunning decision yesterday, as well as selected articles and videos from the media.
Tomorrow will be a busy day in court for LICH Coalition attorneys, we await the necessary steps to get LICH back to a full-service hospital.
Thanks again to all for your support and the recent contributions to our legal effort.
Concerned Physicians of LICH
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
Judge yanks struggling hospital from state's grasp | Crain's New York Business
Judge Upends Closure of Long Island College Hospital - WSJ.com
New Jersey Herald - NYC mayoral candidate in court over protest arrest
? LICH OPEN FOR CARE 9 - YouTube
Judge Demarest's order "A Legal and Moral Responsibility"
excerpt:
expected to sustain additional losses in the three years following its acquisition of LICH of$144.4 million. Indeed, it was the representation that, as a State agency, SUNY-Downstate would be able to minimize its costs and absorb the additional losses resulting from the operation of LICH, that purportedly justified the transfer of LICH’s assets so as to avoid inevitable bankruptcy. LICH’s assets were, however, considerable and many alternatives to closure of the hospital were available. Even in bankruptcy, a restructuring may have been possible that would have averted closure.
In fact, the creation of the Malpractice Trust is a mechanism analogous to those often employed in bankruptcy to dispose of crippling liabilities so that the debtor may continue to operate. The Court notes that the reports recently submitted do not indicate that SUNY-Downstate has actually sustained losses of the magnitude anticipated as a result of its operation of LICH in the two years it has been in control of the acquired assets. SUNY-Downstate’s actual losses attributable to LICH approximate $30 million dollars at this time. Moreover, LICH’s Liability Fund is actually in very good financial condition, to the extent that SUNY has sought to cover its own financial difficulties by accessing LICH’s retained assets
COBBLE HILL ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS OF COURT DECISION
Dear Neighbors,You may have heard confusing news today about a new court order to do with LICH. The news is fantastic beyond belief. It's also fairly complex, so we thought we'd do our best to break it down for you.
The short version is that Justice Carolyn Demarest of Brooklyn state court has vacated SUNY's 2011 acquisition of LICH. That means that SUNY no longer owns LICH and cannot profit from its sale. How is this possible, you ask? Let us explain.
When SUNY acquired LICH in 2011, the acquisition was effected by an order of Justice Demarest. That's how it was done. Today Demarest issued a new Decision and Order. In it, she found that SUNY's running of the hospital was "a travesty of the mission of LICH". She reminds us that the reason for SUNY's acquisition was "to ensure LICH's ongoing existence and safeguard its charitable mission". SUNY instead did the opposite of what they were bound to do: they tried to destroy LICH. For this reason, the hospital was taken away from them today.
Justice Demarest's language in the order is harsh. She does not beat around the bush in pointing the finger at SUNY. Indeed, she suggests that SUNY may have deceived the court in 2011 and that it intended to sabotage LICH in order to sell it as real estate from the very beginning. This is something the CHA and our allies have been saying for many months now. Today our accusations have all been vindicated by the court's action.
Here are the key elements:
1. SUNY failed to uphold its obligation to run LICH properly.
"this Court finds that SUNY-Downstate has breached its contractual obligations"
2. SUNY may have failed by design as part of a deliberate scheme to sell LICH for real estate.
SUNY "has failed, possibly by design, and that this Court, and many of the other interested parties, may have been deliberately misled at the time the transfer was approved."
3. SUNY has lied about LICH's finances.
SUNY expected losses of $144.4 million over three years when it acquired LICH in 2011. What actually happened instead:
"SUNY-Downstate's actual losses attributable to LICH approximate $30 million dollars at this time."
Remember that SUNY has been falsely claiming that LICH is losing $15 million a month.
4. In fact, LICH is so relatively sound that SUNY has tried to pilfer it for its own sake.
"Moreover, LICH's Liability Fund is actually in very good condition, to the extent that SUNY has sought to cover its own financial difficulties by accessing LICH's retained assets."
While SUNY claimed LICH was bankrupting SUNY, the opposite was true.
5. The court would never have approved of SUNY's acquisition of LICH had it known that SUNY Downstate was in even worse financial condition than LICH.
Justice Demarest cites the NYS Comptroller's January 2013 audit of SUNY Downstate. Those of you who read the CHA's LICH Factbook may recall that we made a big fuss about the audit, too.
6. SUNY's repeated attempts to close LICH have been "in flagrant defiance" of stays and orders by the court.
7. A full hearing would be needed to determine SUNY's motives.
"Without a full hearing, it cannot be determined whether SUNY's [...] original design and intent was to seize the very substantial assets of LICH and convert them to SUNY's own purposes in disregard of the stated intent of the Transaction."
Furthermore, "The wave of enthusiasm [in 2011] for a solution that would preserve LICH may have blinded many to a more sinister purpose to seize its assets and dismantle the hospital."
8. SUNY cannot appeal today's Decision and Order until and unless there has been a full hearing first before Justice Demarest.
9. If the NYS Attorney General cannot represent the public due to conflict of interest, the Court may turn to the NYC Public Advocate.
That would be Bill de Blasio.
So where does this leave LICH ownership-wise? Does it revert to its previous owner, Continuum? Not exactly. Justice Demarest suggests that Continuum "resume operation of the hospital", but Continuum publicly said today it would not. The ruling says that, in that case, the NYS Commissioner of Health "may apply to this Court to designate a receiver". That is what we expect to happen, but no one knows for sure.
What we do know is that SUNY's scheme to destroy our hospital and walk away with a $1 billion real estate profit has been thwarted. Could this victory be overturned? Maybe, but see point 8 above.
Justice Demarest will hold a conference on Thursday in her chambers to sort out some of the consequences. We will stay on the case and keep you informed.
This report has been prepared by
Jeff Strabone
Minister of Information.
LICH UPDATE #2 for 8/20/2013
The fight to SAVE LICH has taken a welcome and unexpected turn today, with Judge Demarest's stunning decision.
We will soon find out where this takes LICH, but clearly the efforts of the LICH Family have continued to be successful.
We are including links to today's articles regarding LICH, and the link to the Court decision is included on the website as well:
Please continue to support our efforts with your emails and contributions,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
SUNY Downstate must return LICH assets, Brooklyn judge rules | Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Judge Rejects Long Island College Hospital’s Ownership Deal - NYTimes.com
LICH weekend update - 8/17/2013
The fight to SAVE LICH continues in full force, with the latest Court decision yesterday mandating the restoration of essential services.
Although this is not "the final answer" it is an important first step in getting LICH back to operational status.
We have included links below of recent articles and videos, and are updating the website to include the Court Order in "documents" as well as other recent information.
As always, please visit the website for late-breaking news.
Best regards,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH weekend update - 8/10/2013
"The beat goes on" - still - and the court hearings to help determine the future of LICH will continue tomorrow - Monday, 8/11/2013 to continue the court discussions started last Wednesday, and will apparently continue until at least some first step is decided regarding the status of LICH going forward.
All recent info, as always, is available on our website:
Links to recent articles are included below -
We continue in this fight, which has now lasted 7+ months, and will continue until LICH is again up to full speed!
Thanks to all for your continued support and contributions toward our ongoing legal efforts,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH Update - August 8, 2013 - "and the beat goes on"...
Dear Friends of LICH,
The court hearings regarding LICH continue, and will be continued tomorrow - and perhaps into next week at least.............
There has been renewed press interest re: LICH, and the links are included below:
Again, all of the latest info is available on the website:
Thanks as well to recent contributors to our cause.................
Best regards,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH Update - 8/7/2013 - ..And the fight goes on...
The daily action to SAVE LICH continues........
as always, for updates please check out our website -
Links to recent events including articles, a video and a message from Public Advocate Bill De Blasio are included.
All contributions to Concerned Physicians of LICH to keep up our fight are gratefully accepted - info on website.
We are all in this together,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Official NYSNA #Race4Care results
Today teams of NYSNA nurses and community supporters traveled by bus and by car to ERs across Brooklyn.
We have tweeted a play-by-play and photos of the race @nynurses and with the hashtag #Race4Care
Here are the official results and a little commentary:
1st place: LICH team (traveled by car) - 19 minutes
There were ZERO patients waiting in the ER waiting room at LICH when this team got there. The LICH ER is open for care and accepting walk-in patients.
This team's route, up Hicks St., was widely criticized by spectators. One group hopped in their car and got to LICH in 14 minutes, despite heavy traffic. This team cannot be declared the winner because they did not start with the rest of the group.
2nd place: Brooklyn hospital team (by car) - 24 minutes
This team came from behind for a 2nd place finish.
But in the ER they found 25 patients waiting to receive care. That's hours and hours more than patients would have to wait at LICH!
3rd place: NY-Methodist (by car) - 30 minutes
This team was neck-in-neck with the LICH team for much of the way, then fell behind in Park Slope traffic. But parking in Park Slope really killed their lead and pushed them into third place.
This team reported a PACKED ER at Methodist.
4th place: NY-Methodist (by bus) - 33 minutes
This team sprinted and caught the B61 bus from LICH to Park Slope. If they had been a minute late they would have had to wait another 15 minutes.
Again, they found a packed ER at Methodist.
Reports of cheating at the #Race4Care: one of the teams started before Bill de Blasio waved the start flag. This team was ordered back to the starting line behind all the other teams.
I served with Brad Lander as the officiant of the race and can fill in on any missing details. I'm at 347-835-3429.
Dan Lutz
NYSNA staff
LICH Hearing
Greetings,
We are due in front of Judge Baynes on Wednesday, August 7 at 10:00 a.m.
It would be helpful to have folks in the courtroom on our side for Justice Baynes to see. The details are below:
LICH Hearing
Brooklyn Courthouse
360 Adams Street
4th Floor - Judge Baynes
10:00 a.m. (Arrive by 9:30 a.m. to allow time for security)
We hope to see you there!
Dear Friends of LICH
Links to today's LICH action are included -
Details about tomorrow's "Race to Brooklyn ERs" are listed below.
As always, keep up with the latest news about the LICH effort on our website:
Thank you to all LICH supporters, and today especially to Nydia Velazquez, who has been a key supporter for many, many years.
Concerned Physicians of LICH
NYSNA to race to ERs across Brooklyn -- Tuesday at 4 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY for August 6Contact: Bernadette Ellorin, 347-947-0671, bernadette.ellorin@nysna.org
NYSNA to race from Red Hook to LICH and other Brooklyn emergency rooms#Race4Care teams will go by foot, public transit, and car to document travel times to get care
Brooklyn -- On Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 4:00 pm, teams of NYSNA nurses will race by foot, public transit, and car to emergency rooms across Brooklyn. NYSNA's #Race4Care will document how the diversion of ambulances from Long Island College Hospital is affecting Red Hook patients.
What: Teams of NYSNA nurses will race by foot, public transit, and car to ERs across Brooklyn, including the Emergency Room at Long Island College Hospital.
Who: New York State Nurses Association
Where: Corner of Richards St. and Verona St. in Coffey Park, Red Hook, Brooklyn.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 4:00 pm. Green flag at 5:00 pm.
Hashtags: Teams will be tweeting their progess with the hashtags #Race4Care and #SaveLICH
Journalists are invited to travel with our teams as they make their way to different hospitals across Brooklyn.
Background:
Long Island College Hospital is the closest hospital to Red Hook. Driving distance from Coffey Park to LICH is about 1.4 miles. The next nearest hospital, Methodist, is 2.3 miles away. Many Red Hook patients rely on the neighborhood's single bus line for access to care.
SUNY began diverting ambulances from LICH on June 20, causing extreme over-crowding in Emergency Rooms across Brooklyn. The Emergency Room at LICH is open for care and accepting patients who walk in.
Brooklyn patients are in danger of losing emergency services not just at LICH but also at Interfaith Medical Center.
###
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for more than a hundred thousand frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
Velázquez to Participate in LICH Rally
MONDAY 8/5/13 11am:
Velázquez to Participate in LICH Rally
Washington, DC – On MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2013, at 11 A.M. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) will join with local community groups and other leaders in a demonstration aimed at preventing the closure of Long Island College Hospital.
WHO: Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY)
WHAT: Demonstration to Oppose Closure of LICH
New York State Nurses Association
1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
Local community organizations
WHEN: Monday, August 5, 2013 at 11 a.m.
WHERE: In front of LICH 339 Hicks Street (at Atlantic Avenue), Brooklyn
Race to Save Brooklyn Hospitals
TUESDAY @ 4PM - Race to Save Brooklyn Hospitals. Coffey Park. Corner of Richards & Verona. Bus from LICH @ 3:15 pm. 4 a seat txt 646-484-1772
City to spend millions on more recreation on LICH's doorstep
Here's a shocking little news story in the Windsor Terrace-Kensington Patch. More games for people to play, right below LICH. The money used could probably keep LICH open--millions.
"The Parks Department and Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Wednesday that they have approved a plan to expand Brooklyn Bridge Park, while creating a new residential building on John Street in DUMBO.
The park addition's construction will be concurrent with the creation of a residential building* in the area, that will include retail space partly taken up by the Brooklyn Children's Museum."
Weekly LICH Update - 8/1/2013 - Our Battle Continues
Dear Friends of LICH,
The following is an attempt to keep everyone updated on the current status of our prolonged fight to Keep LICH Open!
1 - The servers of Register.com, where the LICH Physicians website has been hosted for the past 5 years, have been hacked - they have contained the problem, but at least for now our website is not accessible via AOL - you will need to use another browser - Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc - until the problem has been corrected.
2 - Court situation remains "fluid" - the only word to use, since our attorneys - Concerned Physicians, NYSNA, 1199 and Bill De Blasio's team - continue to present revised drafts of complaints and schedule new meetings with the Court including the "referee", Judge Thompson - there has still not been any definitive ruling from the Court that forces Downstate to stop their actions.
3 - The situation "on the ground" at LICH resembles a war zone -
security guards brought in from Downstate and hired from 3 additional security firms -including ex-police and corrections officers, continue to surround the building, patrol the floors, require inspection of personal belongings from employees, etc.
Clearly, intimidation has become their game!
4 - The Emergency Room is still functioning, and quite a few patients are being seen on a daily basis - nevertheless, DMC (Downstate) has refused to adequately staff the ER and there are concerns about the situation going forward.
5 - There is another LICH action tomorrow Friday 8/2/13
FRIDAY at 12:30 pm. SPEAK OUT to #SaveLICH at the corner of Pacific and Hicks. Tell SUNY to stop creating chaos for Brooklyn patients.
Please pass this message on.
Michelle Green
Associate Director
New York State Nurses Association
6 - There have been additional recent articles about the LICH situation -
including a few links below, all are present on the website:
7 - We thank everyone - physicians, nurses, employees, elected officials, and community members - who have continued this fight and will continue to do so until we can finally say -
"We have a real hospital again".
On behalf of
Concerned Physicians of LICH,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Press Conference Tomorrow, Monday, July 29, at 10:15 AM @ LICH
Dear Neighbors,
Bill deBlasio will hold a press conference to announce his plan to save Brooklyn hospitals. The press conference will take place at Long Island College Hospital, on Hicks and Pacific, at 10:15 AM tomorrow.
Thanks to everyone who turned out on short notice to today's save LICH rally. We counted 165 participants, including Congresswoman Nydia Velazques, Borough President Marty Markowitz, District Leader JoAnn Simon and many new and familiar faces. Our coalition is growing and pressure is mounting on the governor, SUNY and the Department of Health.
Please pass this message on.
In friendship and solidarity,
Mickey
Michelle Green
Assistant Director for Special Projects
New York State Nurses Association
Weekend LICH Update - 7/28/13 - Our Fight Continues....Still Waiting for Cuomo!
Dear Friends of LICH,
Yes, our fight continues - things may seem bleak re: LICH future, but if you feel that there is no hope to save our Hospital, just step back for a minute and reflect -
The decision to "close LICH" was made at the end of January 2013 by SUNY/DMC and we are still here.
They have done everything in their power to achieve their goal, but just think about what we have accomplished - we will prevail!
1 - 6 months later, LICH is still open.
2 - the "LICH Story" has been widely circulated, now worldwide.
3 - Warren Buffett commented on the LICH financial mismanagement issue regarding Othmer bequest in the WSJ article and elsewhere recently.
4 - The international press has picked up on the LICH story thanks to Sue Raboy, a LICH supporter.
5 - There are almost daily stories about LICH in the local press.
6 - Still waiting for Cuomo....................
The upcoming week includes a court date with the LICH Coalition attorneys including
Public Advocate Bill De Blasio's legal team - stay tuned for updates.
Will include a few key links here for your convenience, but all of the info is available on our website:
Best regards,
Concerned Physicians of LICH
mssnye-news - July 26, 2013
Colleagues
I must admit I have a soft spot in my heart for Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in Brooklyn. I have been associated with LICH in one capacity or another since 1973. Whether as a student, resident or attending, I have many fond memories of walking down the halls of LICH with my colleagues and mentors. The thought of LICH closing is very painful, particularly since it is the founding hospital of my medical school, Downstate, and since LICH has such an exceptional history, with so many medical giants and innovations to its credit.
LICH UPDATE - 7/25/2013 - Court status, march/rally updates, etc.
1 - Court efforts continue, including the legal teams from the LICH Coalition (Concerned Physicians, NYSNA, and 1199) as well as Public Advocate Bill De Blasio's team.
There are meetings scheduled in court tomorrow Friday as well as next Monday, but the situation remains fluid regarding what are the specific actions and what will happen.
2 - SUNY/Downstate continues its illegal actions against LICH that are too many to list - closing down units, giving employees "pink slips" to leave, having armed SUNY Security guards patrolling LICH, and many many more.......
all of this................
against court orders, and against all logical behavior of reasonable people - examples listed in articles below.
But then again SUNY is not logical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SUNY/DMC = Severely Unable to Navigate Yourselves - Demonstrating Marginal Care
3 - The March across the Brooklyn Bridge and the following rally yesterday was very well attended -
links from this event are included, and all on the website, including a picture album from the march in the "gallery" link
Please spread the word, our fight will continue until we win!
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH - Bill DeBlasio's latest court victory for LICH, and RALLY on Wed 7/24 4PM
The fight for the survival of LICH continues.
Bill De Blasio secured another court victory today -
will SUNY/DMC restore services that are mandated by the Court?
We will find out tomorrow, since GI Lab and Outpatient Surgery should be restored according to the today's Court decision.
Or will SUNY/DMC continue to ignore the rule of law?
They must know that we will all be watching, and will continue our fight -
and show them and Gov. Cuomo at our rally on Wednesday that
we will not be silenced.
Concerned Physicians of LICH
and the LICH Coalition
(link to Bill DeBlasio on website under "latest news")
From: Michelle.Green@NYSNA.ORG
Sent: 7/21/2013 8:41:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Brooklyn March and Rally Wednesday at 4PM
Brooklyn March and Rally Wednesday at 4PM
Dear Neighbors,
Join patients, community supporters, elected leaders, NYSNA & 1199SEIU to mourn the death of healthcare in Brooklyn, this Wednesday, July 24, at a march starting at 4 pm.
Long Island College Hospital and Interfaith Medical Center are under threat of imminent closure. Meanwhile, health disparities in Brooklyn are climbing at alarming rate. Low income, people of color, and the uninsured have fewer and fewer options for receiving care.
We'll meet at Cadman Plaza at 4pm and march over the bridge and then hold a rally at City Hall in Manhattan at 5pm.
A flyer to post and distribute is attached. RSVP and invite others to the march here on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/336352769828541/
Make no mistake - if any of our hospitals close, people will die. Let's march and mourn to stop the death of Brooklyn healthcare!
See you there -- and wear black!
In friendship and solidarity
Mickey
Michelle Green
Assistant Director for Special Projects
New York State Nurses Association
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 1007
212 785 0157 x175
718 714 8863 (cell)
LICH Update - SUNY actions, Bill De Blasio and more....
The fight for LICH continues - included in this email are links to some of the recent key articles and developments, including:
-SUNY/DMC issuing order for LICH closure, despite a TRO (Temp restraining order )already in place.
-Public Advocate Bill De Blasio obtaining a new TRO from NYS Supreme Court on Friday prohibiting this action of SUNY.
-SUNY continuing its illegal actions during this weekend.
-Article in Wall Street Journal re: the Othmer bequest to LICH being "betrayed" by Continuum and SUNY/DMC and Warren Buffett's reaction to this.
There are also many other articles, letters, and videos which have been updated on the website in the past few days and will continue to be updated on a daily basis!
Please review, knowing that it is the effort of the LICH Coalition, which we have built over the past 6 months - including physicians, nurses, other LICH employees, local community leaders, and supportive elected officials - that has made our fight successful thus far.
The fight could have been over 6 months ago, but with our efforts, LICH is still alive -
and we will win in the end.
Please take note, Governor Cuomo!
Concerned Physicians of LICH
De Blasio, Others Rally, Obtain Restraining Order To Block Closure Of LICH « CBS New York
Warren Buffett sees 'betrayal' as hospital drains big endowment
LICH OPEN FOR CARE 6 - YouTube
(The best one yet)
7/19/2013
Subject: Urgent Alerts: LICH Closure mandates from SUNY administration
I am writing to alert you that the closure of LICH is now imminent and for you to discuss patient notification and options for patients to transfer to UHB faculty practice or clinics with your section chiefs at LICH. You may be questioned on some facts so below are some of the things I know for now.
1. When the date is set some-time next week or so, physicians will be given a 30 day notice of termination. During that period they will continue to receive salary. After that they will no longer be UHB salaried but will continue to maintain their UHB medical board and admitting privileges. Let me know who in your division at LICH wants to provide services at UHB or Bay Ridge and bill for professional services so we can get them credentialed through the practice plan as soon as we can.
2. No outpatient procedures on Monday. The last day for outpatient procedures is today. Please inform your divisions accordingly. Patients scheduled for procedures on Monday should be cancelled and informed and given alternatives. The alternative is to have the procedure done at UHB/Bay Ridge or patient preference in the area. Administration is drafting a letter to patients but I don’t have it yet.
3. The last patient for endoscopy is today and that no patients should be scheduled for Monday. Patients should be scheduled at Bay Ridge or UHB or alternate hospital of choice
4. The last patient for chemotherapy should be today and no patients should receive chemo on Monday. They should be treated at UHB either as outpatients or inpatients. Some may have to be admitted if scheduling is an issue.
5. Dialysis might stay for a little longer until the patients are placed.
This is a developing story and I will feed you as I get more information. Please send me any questions.
Moro
Moro O. Salifu, MD, MPH, MBA, FACP
Professor & Chairman, Department of Medicine
Edwin C and Anne K Weiskopf Endowed Chair in Nephrology,
in honor of Eli A. and Mildred (Barry) Friedman
Chief, Division of Nephrology
Director, Transplant Program
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
450 Clarkson Ave Box 52
Brooklyn, NY, 11203
Tel: 718-2701584
Fax: 718-2703327
Gov. Cuomo's response to LICH situation as reported by NY1 - 7/18/13
SUNY started the crisis at LICH on January 19, at which time Cuomo said about LICH: "It's a difficult situation but that is a lot of money". There has not been another word from him on LICH in the 7th months since then --- until Thursday July 18 - the day SUNY re-submitted their closure plan for LICH.
Cuomo administration's response this week is a reiteration of SUNY's propaganda: Having kept pts out of LICH, ceased almost all services, and cut off LICH's sources of income, SUNY & the Governor cite loss of income as evidence of the need to close LICH.
Cuomo's offices's response as reported by NY1:
<<<A spokesperson for Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a statement that read, "The unfortunate reality is that despite significant support from state taxpayers, including a $62 million state bailout and a $75 million state loan, LICH has been unable to stop hemorrhaging money, now losing $15 million a month and incurring mass departures of doctors and medical staff. SUNY has put forward a real and financially responsible solution to the ongoing fiscal crisis at LICH by issuing an RFP to establish new sustainable health care services to adequately meet the needs of the community.">>>
Response to NY Times article 7/19/13
Anemona,
Although I appreciate the time you spent with us, your article could have been a press release from Governor Cuomo's office. Your take is, apparently, that we are a hospital with a dwindling patient population, spending tax payer money and being kept open by the unions. Before the intervention of Downstate, we had an operating room with a wait list to book surgeries, a full ICU (100% full) and 228 out of our active 245 beds filled. as well as 58,000 ER visits a year. Our patient population was growing due to the huge influx of people into Brooklyn in the last five years. Unlike what Dr. Williams said, we did not have a mass of physicians fleeing. Some had left when it seemed L and D was closing, but not the vast majority of physicians at the institution. The reasons we now have no patients (E.R, and O. R being shut down by Downstate, shortage of doctors in OB because Downstate refused to renew contracts for longer than a month leading to closure of L and D, and admissions being forbidden, in general) was not really explained in your article. We didn't get to 18 patients by accident, but by design. Although you quoted the Governor's office's concern for taxpayer money, you didn't question why they didn't mention the taxpayer money being lost by Downstate each month which far exceeds ours or the 75 million dollars they "borrowed" from the SUNY till and which they admitted at the hearing in Albany on June 4th that they have no way to pay back.
Likewise no mention of the difference in quality at the two institutions. Their residency is on probation. We were mentioned in US News and World Report as 2nd best hospital in Brooklyn; they didn't even make the list. When you were at our institution, the anesthesia chief resident told you all the residents liked the rotation through LICH the best because the nurses and ancillary services were better there.
No mention of health care crisis in Brooklyn and what closure might look like for health care delivery for Northern Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan in the next few months.
No mention of the way in which Downstate closed LICH, not informing patients of closure or limitation of services there or making a smooth transition for those with problems or who are pregnant. Not even a note to patients explaining situation or how to get to Downstate if they had a problem. And then wanting to charge them 75 cents a page for their own charts!
I could live without seeing myself in the newspaper if this is how the truth is being presented.
Judith Weinstock, MD, FACOG
orchidgyn@gmail.com
Keep up with my blog at www.drjudithweinstock.typepad.com
See our Facebook page at Orchid Gynecology. Become a fan!
Judith Weinstock, MD, FACOG
orchidgyn@gmail.com
Keep up with my blog at www.drjudithweinstock.typepad.com
See our Facebook page at Orchid Gynecology. Become a fan!
7/19/2013 - LICH Update
Things are flying around fast and furious and, unfortunately, we have no real way of knowing what's true and what's not true since no one at LICH, SUNY or most importantly at the Governor's Office will even talk to us about this.
What we do know is that since June 20th the hospital has been on "ambulance diversion." We have a photocopy of the sign that was posted at the hospital on that date. What we've heard is that the spillover into nearby emergency rooms is having an impact. I've checked with our other area hospital, New York Methodist Hospital, and they say that since the ambulance diversion has been in place they have seen an uptick, roughly a 10% increase, in ER walk-ins and ambulance service (many of which are Downstate LICH ambulances identifiable by their logo).
What we do know is that the closure plan that was originally submitted by the SUNY Board of Trustees (which is controlled by Governor Cuomo) had to be reviewed and approved by the New York State Department of Health (which is controlled by Governor Cuomo). This plan was withdrawn by the SUNY Board after losing the court battle which held that the hospital was to remain open. Crain's reported this afternoon that the SUNY Board has now resubmitted a closure plan for LICH. The Crain's piece went on to confirm that there are only 18 patients left in the hospital which is now losing $15 million a month because there are no patients to support their overhead.
What we do know is that our area's elected officials have been actively fighting on this issue--sending out statements and tweets, showing up at the hospital regularly to rally, allowing themselves to be arrested for acts of civil disobedience, etc. What we do not know is WHAT OUR GOVERNOR HAS TO SAY ABOUT ANY OF THIS, since he would apparently hold all the cards here as the person in charge of both the SUNY Board of Trustees and the NYS Department of Health. His silence has been deafening.
What we do know is that things cannot continue this way much longer. Effectively shutting down operations in apparent contempt of court orders and running on an accelerating deficit is no way to keep a hospital open. Having no merger, sale or acquisition plans in place means no way of guaranteeing that the hospital as such would remain a health care facility. What we do not know is how much longer this can last.
Contacting your local elected officials is akin to preaching to the choir. Even virtually every candidate for Mayor has made some sympathetic statement or done something to show their support for keeping our hospital open. If LICH is to remain open, it will be because our Governor wills it to be; if it closes, it will be because he was unresponsive and it will happen on his watch. This is all on Governor Cuomo. He can be the hero or the villain. At a minimum he should come clean and be honest with us about where he stands.
Encourage Governor Cuomo to break his silence today!
To email the Governor: http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php
To tweet him send your Twitter message to @NYGovCuomo
To phone him call (518) 474-8390.
Don't wait to write him a letter, it may not get to Albany in time.
Best, Craig
Craig R. Hammerman, District Manager
Brooklyn Community Board 6
250 Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201-6401
t. 718.643.3027 * f. 718.624.8410
w. www.BrooklynCB6.org
e. districtmanager@BrooklynCB6.org
Serving the neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens/South Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Columbia Waterfront, Gowanus, Park Slope and Red Hook
Click here to sign-up for our monthly newsletter + meeting notices
"Like" us on Facebook at BrooklynCB6 * Follow us on Twitter @BrooklynCB6
7/16/13 - LICH Update - a lot of stuff going on - please review!
The following is a summary of recent LICH-related events, with details listed below the bullet-points............
and many new articles added to website
Concerned Physicians of LICH
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
1- Brooklyn hospital ER diversions caused by overflow which Downstate created by closing LICH ER to ambulances
2 - Christine Quinn's intern with medical issue needs 30 minutes for ambulance to arrive in Williamsburg - no surprise - LICH ER is only 10 minutes away via BQE, but Drs. Williams and Lucchese closed it for ambulances.
3 - Dr. Williams blames Downstate losing their residency program approval to "probation status"on "calls from LICH Concerned Physicians to ACGME"
Dr. Williams, with all due respect, you and DMC need to get a reality check - ACGME acts on facts, not phone calls, and the facts are that by DMC acting to end LICH residency programs, DMC removed all respectability from its facility and exposed what DMC is all about ( please see point #4)
4 - US News & World Report latest Hospital rankings..........
07/16/2013 update from Brooklyn hospitals ER situations and LICH and Downstate
1 - Brooklyn Hospital is on diversion for the second day in a row.
Brooklyn Hospital ER is on total diversion (for the second day in a row) except for patients in "extremis" (near death) . D= Diversion
Yesterday Methodist Hospital had over 200 patients in their er (that's an unsafe number )
I have pictures multiple ambulances waiting in line on 7th ave.
It's a bad time to have a stroke or heart attack in nw Brooklyn right now.
(except for a recent visitor to NY who walked into the LICH ER last week w/ a heart attack and we rapidly treated him - we successfully ballooned his coronary artery and admitted him to the CCU)
3 - Dr. Williams said at today's board of trustees meeting (via video conferencing)that ACGME simply showed up at Downstate and LICH, and the reason their program was placed on probation was largely because Concerned Physicians made phone calls to ACGME.
Michelle Green
Confirmed by Dr Frank Lucente the entire GME residency training is on probation . This includes all programs!!! All residents , fellows , and future residents will have to be notified in writing!!! And sources in Albany are confirming that Dr Williams stated The Concerned Physicians of LICH are causing this problem. JR
4 - On Jul 16, 2013, at 10:36 AM, saul melman <saulmelman@earthlink.net> wrote:
These are the ranked and unranked according to The 2013 US News Best Hospital rankings report
Maimonides #27
LICH #30
Brookdale is #39
Kingsbrook Jewish #42
Methodist Hospital - unranked
Brooklyn Hospital Center - unranked
SUNY Downstate - unranked
Kings County - unranked
Lutheran - unranked
Interfaith unranked
Woodhull - unranked
Kingsboro -unranked
Wyckoff - unranked
7/13/13 - LICH - Update on legal situation, actions, and more.......
With apologies for a very long email, this is primarily an attempt to clarify the current LICH legal situation and also provide information about recent and upcoming LICH-related actions.
A - LICH legal effort
B - Recent LICH-related actions
C - Upcoming scheduled LICH actions
D - Examples of situation "on the ground" at LICH and SUNY/DMC's despicable actions.
E - Response to NY Daily News ignorant editorial
F - Final question - WHERE IS GOVERNOR CUOMO? - Thus far no answer!
A - LICH current legal effort -
Since there continues to be a complicated legal situation re: the current legal situation of LICH, this is an attempt to clarify.
1 - The LICH Coalition legal team (Concerned Physicians, NYSNA, and 1199) has been successful in NY State Supreme Court in recent months, obtaining TROs (Temporary Restraining Orders) against SUNY/DMC and the Department of Health (DOH) from continuing any actions to further the closure of LICH.
2 - SUNY/DMC have basically been ignoring these TROs.
3 - On Friday, 6/28/2013, SUNY/DMC and DOH initiated the process to appeal Justice Baynes’ TROs. SUNY/DMC and DOH take the position that because they initiated the appeal process, the TROs are not currently in effect. The LICH Coalition legal disagrees, and on 7/1/13 presented documents to the Appellate Court arguing that the TROs are still in effect and enforceable.
4 - The Appellate Court gave SUNY/DMC and DOH until Monday 7/8/13 to submit documents in support of their position that the TROs are “stayed,” which SUNY/DMC and DOH did.
5 - The Appellate Court will now take the time it needs to decide on the validity of the arguments presented, and nobody knows how long that will take.
6 - While the Appellate Court makes its decision, the previously scheduled contempt hearing before Justice Baynes is on hold.
B - Recent LICH-related actions
As many of you know, LICH actions this past week resulted in a series of arrests, including
Public Advocate Bill De Blasio, Councilman Steve Levin, and Assemblywoman Joan Millman, as well as many nurses and community activists. There are numerous articles, videos and pictures added to our website, too many to list here individually.
Please visit www.lichmedicalstaff.org to access all the info.
C - Upcoming scheduled LICH actions
From the Governor's midtown office, to the SUNY Chancellor's Manhattan headquarters, to the Brooklyn Bridge, Long Island College supporters were out in force this week. The save LICH message filled mainstream media outlets, social media and blogs with new a intensity and urgency.
This coming week the Downstate Community Council and the SUNY Board of Trustees will be acting on their "sustainability" plan-- and we plan to make our presence and opposition known.
On Monday, at noon, the Downstate Community Council will be meeting at 430 Clarkson Avenue, Lecture Hall 1. A large outdoor rally is being organized by 1199 and NYSNA. We encourage you, your neighbors and everyone who wants to keep LICH as a full service hospital to join us. Buses will leave LICH (Hicks Street entrance) at 11AM.
The next day, Tuesday, July 16 the SUNY Board of Trustees will act on the Downstate plan at a special meeting they are holding in Albany. (Notice how the Trustees' meetings on LICH's fate move farther and farther away from our communities.) NYSNA and 1199 will be sending a bus from LICH, leaving at 10 AM.
Please send me an email if you are planning to attend; we'd like to make sure everyone who plans to go to Downstate and Albany will have a seat on the bus. michelle.green@nysna.org
Be sure to send this message to your contacts.
In friendship and solidarity,
Mickey
Michelle Green
Assistant Director for Special Projects
New York State Nurses Association
D - "On the Ground at LICH" - examples from the past few days
1 - Hi. I just readmitted a former premature infant to the nicu with respiratory distress. I escorted him to NICU personally to insure family was comfortable with admission. Can you forward this email? I urge all of our colleagues to admit without fear!!
Alice Garner
2 - Today Dr Novarro's pt had to be admitted & was told by the ER doctor that "Dr Lucchese is not allowing anyone to be admitted to LICH" because "the new doctors they hired are unsafe." She was being told that & other things along those lines to scare her into transferring. I asked the ER doc if this is what they are saying & doing to all the pts that need admnission. She was being pressured to accept transfer & kept refusing. She said she was calling the DOH but the rep happened to be at LICH at that time so they sent her down with the nursing supervisor & hosp administrator. The pt told the DOH lady what she was being told & asked if the docs are not safe to practice here why hasnt the DOH shut the place down. The rep didnt say the docs were sfae or not but she said "the DOH does not have a problem with pts being admitted to this hospital" Pt told DOH she is sick & should not have the added stress of having to fight to be cared for at her own hospital. She started crying & it was pathetic. DOH said she'd see what she could do. Few moments later, the administrator came back & told the pt she could stay & be admitted to the ER - not allowed on the floor because in case she needs to be intubated the docs there are not safe & "there have been issues with them". They brought a bed to the ER for her. There is talk of possibly allowing her to go to RCU but right now she's been in ER since yesterday evening. The ICU docs heard that the ER docs are saying that pts cannot be admitted to be lich because "the new docs are not safe" -- & they are furious that their reputations are being risked. They didnt know that the pts were being told they are the reason why pts cannot be admitted & they went down to confront the ER docs. I dont know the outcome. But Dr Lucchese is causing a lot of craziness around here just to get his way.
LICH RN
E - Daily News editorial - clearly written using lies provided by DMC since Feb 2013
Empty prescriptions - NY Daily News
Please read the responses - We encourage all to write letters to the Editor protesting the lies presented here - a letter is included here.
my letter to the editor NY Daily News
Subject: LONG ISLAND COLLEGE HOSITAL IS OPEN FOR CARE
Dear Editor,
Your editorial of July 11, 2013, titled "Empty Prescriptions" is full of misrepresentations about Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn. You state that "the best doctors and nurses have fled. As many times as SUNY has that statement printed in the paper, it is still not true. The nurses have not left at all - there is a full staff of nurses on every floor. The doctors did not "leave" either - the interns and residents were FORCED out and REMOVED by SUNY. However, they have been replaced by a higher level of physicians - board certified intensivists and hospitalists - attending physicians. You state that the "census has plummeted", inferring that the hospital is not needed. Also untrue. SUNY physically REMOVED almost all of our patients, has barred new patients from being admitted through the admitting office, and has banned ambulances from bringing patients to LICH, causing over-crowding and long waits for care at other Brooklyn hospitals. Actively and unlawfully violating a Supreme Court restraining order, SUNY is PREVENTING patients from using LICH. That is the only way SUNY could get patients to stop coming, because even with all the chaos and confusion SUNY has brought down on this borough, the patients still kept coming to LICH. Today, I was with my friend in the emergency room. She was told by the ER doctor that she needed to be admitted to the hospital, but "Dr Lucchese, chief medical officer of Downstate, will not allow us to admit any patients to LICH" and she must be transferred elsewhere. My friend refused to be transferred and had to fight for her right to be admitted to one of LICH's many empty beds. She had to appeal to the Department of Health and eventually was admitted to LICH. Dr Lucchese is deliberately, unlawfully, and dangerously keeping patients out of LICH and then has you twist that into "patient census has plummeted". Your misrepresentation of the facts, in an effort to advance SUNY's agenda to discredit LICH in the public's eye, is under-handed and despicable. SUNY must be desparate if they have to resort to getting their friends on the editorial boards of newspapers to try to sway public opinion their way. In fact, I'm sure you won't print this letter because it is the truth and, thanks to the local Brooklyn press, Brooklyn knows it. SUNY should learn now that Brooklynites know exactly what is going on there and the only ones being discredited by this debacle is SUNY.
Julie Semente
F - Where is Governor Cuomo?
The Governor has yet to be found and is "missing in action" regarding the healthcare crisis in Brooklyn and the systematic destruction of Long Island College Hospital.
Bill De Blasio, Steve Levin and Joan Millman, while being arrested this week, asked the same question publicly that all of us, the Brooklyn community, has been asking for a while already - "Where is Governor Cuomo"?
With all due respect, it is difficult for anyone to believe that SUNY/DMC could continue to act with brazen, illegal actions regarding LICH without some kind of support from a "higher power". As the Chief Executive of New York State, it is your responsibility to stop this and respect the people of Brooklyn.
It is time, Governor Cuomo, for you to "step up to the plate" and take a stand - not a stand for special interests, or for unions, or for physicians, or for real estate developers - take a stand for THE PEOPLE OF BROOKLYN, and do what is the right thing to do -
SAVE LONG ISLAND COLLEGE HOSPITAL
AND SUPPORT HEALTHCARE IN BROOKLYN!
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
(please visit website for updated articles, letters, videos, and also contribute to our continuing efforts)
LICH Update - July 5, 2013
The following is a summary of LICH status........
1 - The first email document is an excellent summary of the current LICH situation and problems generated by the closures that Downstate has mandated.
2 - The following part of the email details actions by NYSNA and 1199, with support of Concerned Physicians, at Gov. Cuomo's and SUNY offices in Manhattan next week.
3 - LICH Coalition attorneys are scheduled to be in court again next Monday 7/8/13 - stay tuned for details.
4 - Concerned Physicians website article has been updated with a number of excellent articles and letters detailing the LICH situation - check it out!
Everybody's continued support for this effort is essential,
and we thank you all for your support.
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Long Island College Hospital: this just in...
LICH EMT reports that yesterday, a Cobble Hill resident was suffering a heart attack just a block or so from LICH but ambulance was forced to take him to Methodist due to continued LICH patient diversions. According to the EMT, it took a full 9 minutes to get to that hospital and then more time to assess the patient and begin treatment. Heart muscles die with each delayed moment. In the first 9 minutes that it took just to travel to another hospital, the Cobble Hill resident could have already been in the LICH cardiac catheterization lab restoring his heart's blood flow, reducing the injury and increasing the chances for survival.
Also, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reports on a woman who was choking in Carroll Gardens. According to that patient, because of LICH's diversion, the ambulance had to take her to Methodist & travel time was 20 minutes on a Sunday. Thank G-D for the paramedics who were able to treat her on the way. She asks the reporter "who do I sue" over this. Others report on the impact of long delays for care at Brooklyn Hospital as well. (see: http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/residents-fear-worst-brooklyn-er-crisis-drags-2013-07-04-160300)
This is no joke now. People's lives absolutely are in danger as SUNY Downstate continues to thumb its nose at everyone - elected officials, supreme court judges, community residents, etc.
Does there need to actually be a death in the ambulance before the city and state put a stop to this insanity and full services at LICH are resumed?
FYI: In LICH ICU today, there are 2 attending physicians present, plus one attending physician on call, 6 ICU Registered Nurses, 2 physician assistants, 1 nurses aide, a nurse manager and a case manager - all for just 2 patients - both of them being transferred out of ICU today. There's even more staff than that in ER. There's just 28 patients in the entire hospital, with a full staff of nurses, doctors, and other caregivers on those floors too.
So what is the reason again that our ambulances are being diverted, our admitting office cannot admit anyone, and patients cannot come to LICH?
Lives here are being put at risk because Downstate has big plans to build new care centers around Brooklyn but has no way to pay for it. Are people going to die in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens and Redhook just so LICH can be sold to fund SUNY's grand ideas? (see:
http://mcbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-can-suny-downstate-design-brooklyn.html)
The Department of Health's representative was just at LICH again, counting all the staff on each unit, saying nothing, but looking astounded at the incredulous situation here.
So where is the NYC public advocate and the NYC mayor for these NYC residents in Brooklyn? Where is the Governor? Do they all need to be sued by the family of a patient that SUNY causes to be harmed by continuing this debacle before they start to seriously advocate for this public and not just come out for a photo op? How is this all still being allowed to continue?
This is a tragedy with a mega-lawsuit waiting to happen and the city, state, SUNY and Downstate officials and Governor Cuomo will find themselves being held responsible. LICH's full hospital services need to be resumed now.
Julie Semente, RN
Dear Neighbor,
In the face of SUNY's continued contempt for court orders and failure to find a new operator for Long Island College Hospital, we are escalating our efforts to keep LICH open for care.
Next week, we will be taking the save LICH message to the Manhattan offices of Governor
Andrew Cuomo and SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zympher.
On Monday, July 8, NYSNA, 1199 and supporters of Long Island College Hospital will be holding a rally to tell Governor Cuomo to keep LICH, as well as Interfaith and Brooklyn Hospitals, open for care.
When: 4pm-6pm
Where: 633 3rd Avenue, Manhattan (between 40th and 41th Streets)
Buses leave from LICH at 2:45 pm at the Hicks Street entrance.
AND
On Wednesday, July 10th,
LICH supporters will rally and deliver a petition to Chancellor Zympher to obey the court order and keep the hospital open at safe staffing levels.
When: Wednesday July 10 at 10 AM
Where: 33 West 42nd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
Buses leave from LICH at 8:15 AM in front of LICH (Hicks Street)
This is an important week for our communities. Please pass this message on and urge your neighbors to participate.
In friendship and solidarity,
Mickey
Michelle Green
Assistant Director for Special Projects
New York State Nurses Association
LICH Update - Court and articles 6/25/2013
Unfortunately, there were no definitive developments re: LICH today in court,
we hope to get some clarification tomorrow.
please view the first link to DailyEagle article to get the details:
SUNY/DMC continues to play their game of trying to close LICH despite Court orders and all other actions.
Stay tuned again..............
We are all in this together..............
Keep up the fight,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
LICH update - court yesterday and more
Attorneys for all the parties involved in the LICH issue were in NY State Supreme Court again yesterday.
Justice Baynes ordered SUNY/DMC attorneys to open up ambulance service to LICH immediately, and to report back to him by 12 noon today on this issue and its implementation.
Stay tuned...................
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/lich-patients-diverted-other-hospitals-protests-grow-2013-06-21-215600
LICH patient ban fills other Brooklyn hospitals - NY Daily News
......and more updated info in "letters" "documents" and "articles" on website:
Concerned Physicians of LICH
You are invited to a Black Tie Rally to Save LICH this Tuesday!
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It has come to my attention that some people have understood this to be an actual invitation to Governor's Cuomo's 'Spring Gala' Fundraiser. Make no mistake, we are not invited! We will not be allowed in! We will not be served any food, drink or refreshments. We will be there only to let the governor know how we feel about keeping LICH open! This is a protest -- and we dress up as part of our message to the governor and the attendees to this $50,000 seat event.
http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2013/05/24/cuomo-to-end-session-with-50000-per-ticket-fundraiser/
Sincerely,
Trudy
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
You are invited to a Black Tie Rally to Save LICH this Tuesday!
When: Tuesday June 25 at 5:30 PM
Where: Plaza Hotel at East 58th Street and 5th Avenue, NYC
Meet at the fountain of the small park in front of the hotel.
Please dress for the occasion! Really – ball gowns,
cocktail dresses for the ladies and suits for the men.
Bring signs (lots of them) and attitude!
The fight to Save LICH continues!
Please RSVP me (Trudy) at 347-981-1324 ASAP.
Sorry but this event has just been called off!
I thank everyone for their interest and enthusiasm and am sorry for any inconvenience this has caused!
Please spread the word.
Thank you for your understanding,
Trudy
Nurses to Hold Health Fair and Protest at Long Island College Hospital. TODAY at 4:30 PM
Nurses, community leaders, and patients will hold a health fair and protest at Long Island College Hospital at 4:30 pm today.
LICH is fully staffed and able to provide safe care for patients. But on Thursday, SUNY began diverting ambulances from the hospital, creating chaos across other Brooklyn hospitals. Patients are still walking in and getting care at LICH.
Nurses will conduct health screenings, educate patients, and speak out against the open defiance of the court's order keeping LICH open for care.
When: Today, Sunday June 23 at 4:30 pm.
Who: The New York State Nurses Association, caregivers, doctors, and concerned community.
Please pass this on to your contacts.
Michelle Green
Assistant Director for Special Projects
New York State Nurses Association
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 1007
212 785 0157 x175
718 714 8863 (cell)
Long Island College Hospital:
Brooklyn Justice Issues Order to Hold Contempt Hearing & Enters Modified Temporary
Restraining Order, SUNY Diverts Ambulances from LICH
(Brooklyn, NY) Yesterday, Justice Johnny Lee Baynes issued an order that set a hearing for contempt
of the Temporary Restraining Order which prohibits the closure of Long Island College Hospital. The
order also included a modified Temporary Restraining Order that reinforces SUNY's obligation to
maintain staffing at LICH at the same level it was as of February 20th, 2013.
The modified TRO eliminates the ban on communication between SUNY and the DOH but orders the
SUNY defendants to maintain staffing, including particular requirements regarding the residency
programs and the staffing of the Psychiatry Department.
In the face of the Court’s Order, Downstate administrators nonetheless directed that as of 6:00 a.m. this
morning ambulances are to be diverted away from LICH, and physicians at LICH are to begin
transferring patients to Downstate’s East Flatbush campus and other hospitals. The diversion and
transfer of patients unnecessarily compromise patient safety and violate the order barring SUNY and
Downstate from taking any actions toward closing the hospital. The Court also asked the parties for the
names of individuals who are responsible for the violation of the Court’s order. Defendants in the case
include the SUNY Board of Trustees, as well as SUNY, SUNY Downstate and SUNY Downstate
President John F. Williams, MD. .......
» all summary briefing document
LICH update - Court today, and SUNY/DMC actions in violation of court
I'm sending out a very brief update on the rapidly-developing situation at LICH -
a press release with more details will be forthcoming tomorrow, which I will send to all.
The attorneys for Concerned Physicians, NYSNA and 1199 were in court today and made a persuasive argument about SUNY/DMD's violations of the previous TRO (restraining order) issued.
The court set a hearing for contempt and obliged SUNY/DMC to maintain staffing levels as they were in February 2013.
SUNY/DMC ignored the court order, and several hours later sent the following email to all LICH MD's, which is clearly in violation of the court order - claiming that they are doing this because of "an unsafe situation with MD's and staff leaving".
This is a blatant lie!
There is no unsafe situation, and SUNY/DMC officials lies need to be exposed!
Concerned Physicians and other members of the LICH Coalition have been in meetings and on conference calls this evening to discuss this situation and will keep you all advised of developments as they occur.
Please call your elected officials, press and other contacts to spread the word -
the criminal actions of SUNY/DMC against LICH need to be stopped!
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Dear Medical Staff,
University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB) of the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center continues to make good faith efforts to staff the Long Island College Hospital and maintain its patient services. Attempts to replace medical, nursing, and management staff have been on-going. However, we have not successfully recruited personnel for key vacancies, either through locum tenems or permanent recruitment. Due to the departure of critical staff that cannot be replaced in a timely manner, we are taking steps to ensure patient health, safety, and welfare. We cannot allow the public to have an expectation of services that are not possible for us to provide.
We request that you discuss other options for inpatient care and emergency services with your patients. The Central Brooklyn campus of University Hospital of Brooklyn will facilitate patient transfers should you choose to do so.
Emergency Services
To that end, the emergency room will not accept ambulance patients effective June 20, 2013 at 6:00 A.M. FDNY – EMS has been notified that the UHB Long Island College Hospital campus of SUNY Downstate will be on ambulance diversion for emergency room services. Walk in patients will receive medical screening and stabilizing treatment. If further care is needed, patients will be transferred to another area hospital. Patients using the EMS ambulance services will be taken to the nearest hospital with appropriate resources. Hospitals in Brooklyn have been notified of the diversion.
Please be assured that all efforts will be made to assist you in the transfer of patients to University Hospital or to the facility of the patients’ choice. Current inpatients will also be notified in writing and medical leadership will be available for further discussion. For further information and assistance, please call Mr. George Caralis at (718) 270-4293, Mr. Michael Miller at (718) 780-4651 or Dr. Michael Lucchesi at (347) 424-9084.
LICH Update - June 14th Fundraiser and Downstate stealing LICH history........
There was a very successful Fundraiser for LICH on Friday night, thanks to contributions by local LICH supporters:
-Pietro Costa, who donated the space and his kids to collect money at the door.
-Cobble Hill "Life-Care" (Nursing Home) - Tony Lewis and his staff from CHNH did a
FABULOUS job donating food and the service to distribute - with some Mexican food help from Josefina Novarro.
-Heights Chateau donated the wine - Thanks, Matthew LaSorsa.
-Beer was supplied at a discounted price by Thrifty/American Beer on Court Street.
-Entertainment by Julie Semente's daughter was great!
We hope to have additional similar events in the near future - stay tuned!
Please also view a response to DMC re: their website claim, headlined below, at the end of this email -
Thanks again for all your support,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
June 4 Senate hearing on LICH & Downstate - summary by Julie Semente RN
The following is an update on the LICH situation reflecting the June 4th meeting in the NY State Senate.
There continue to be many issues swirling around about the status of LICH, as this detailed email will explain.
Concerned Physicians of LICH along with our LICH Coalition partners - NYSNA, 1199, and community organizations - continue to fight the fight, legally and otherwise - we will detail developments in the next few days.
Thank you all for your continued support,
Toomas M. Sorra MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
From: jts58@aol.com
Sent: 6/5/2013 10:23:04 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Fwd: video of June 4 testimony - Senate hearing on LICH & Downstate Sustainability plan
LICH remains at risk. At a NY Senate hearing yesterday in Albany to discuss the future of LICH and Downstate's sustainability plan, SUNY Chairman Carl McCall testified that they will close LICH if discussions with any potential new operators don't work out. SUNY also could not guarantee that they will keep LICH open while the negotiations, if any, are worked out over time. We learned that there are now 7 potential new operators that have expressed interest & that there is still a plan to reduce LICH to a "healthcare service" and sell the hospital property.
Senator Eric Adams joined the senators and, with Sen Kevin Parker, hammered SUNY & Downstate with questions about LICH. He pointedly asked if they'll "keep the lights on" while they negotiate to transfer LICH, which could take months. SUNY could not guarantee that they would. Adams reminded them that LICH needs to be a hospital - not some kind of "healthcare service".
McCall testified that "stakeholders" have been in constant consultation with SUNY about what kinds of services are needed in the community. However, NONE of the stakeholders at LICH have been consulted and NONE of us are privy to the new operator negotiations or included in the development of any plans for LICH or Downstate.
But the NYState labor unions from Downstate were consulted. In fact, they submitted a plan to expand Downstate, transform its hospital, and build primary care centers in Central Brooklyn --- all to be paid for with the sale of LICH. They also suggested that the stand-alone emergency center being established by Northshore/LIJ at the old St Vincents in Manhattan is the best model for a healthcare facility at LICH & they asked for the Senators' help in facilitating that.
The LICH community (hospital & local) should be the ones to decide what is needed at LICH. The community served by LICH must continue to make themselves be heard or these people from Downstate & SUNY will be making the decisions for this community's healthcare.
All eyes are STILL focused on the lucrative value of LICH's real estate & we must remain vigilant. The threat to LICH remains very real.
Everyone is encouraged to send email to the NYS Senate Committee on Higher Education Chairman Ken LaValle now with comments for LICH's future. Email address is lavalle@nysenate.gov,
LICH's NYSNA nurse testimony begins at time 3:47:18
Committee members
Adriano Espaillat
· John J. Flanagan
· Patrick M. Gallivan
· Joseph A. Griffo
· Mark Grisanti
· Timothy M. Kennedy
· Liz Krueger
· Kenneth P. LaValle
· George D. Maziarz
· Kevin S. Parker
· Patty Ritchie
· Gustavo Rivera
· Joseph E. Robach
· Diane J. Savino
· José M. Serrano
· James L. Seward
· Toby Ann Stavisky
· David J. Valesky
· Lee M. Zeldin
Please pass this on throughout the community.
Thanks
Julie
Brooklyn Heights Assn testimony re: LICH on 6/4/2013
Brooklyn Heights Association Testimony to New York State Senate Standing Committee on
Higher Education
We thank Senator LaValle and the members of the Committee for the opportunity to submit
written testimony. We are extremely disappointed that no community representatives in
downtown Brooklyn were invited to speak regarding Long Island College Hospital.
The Brooklyn Heights Association believes that Long Island College Hospital should remain in its
current location as a full service teaching hospital.
A full service hospital in downtown Brooklyn is essential to the health needs of the residents and
workers of our communities. Long Island College Hospital (LICH) has been a teaching hospital
since 1858 and serves one of the fastest growing business and residential areas, with thousands
of new families, in Brooklyn. Downtown Brooklyn is home to four public housing projects with
over 13,400 residents. Seven colleges and universities educate 32,000 students here and there
are 70,000 workers in Metro-Tech and Dumbo, along with thousands of lawyers, employees and
citizens who work in or attend state and federal court. Nearby are bustling shopping and
commercials area such as Fulton and Smith Streets, as well as the 17,000-seat Barclay's Center
Arena. It is also important to note that no other precinct is responsible for more potential
terrorist target sites than the 84th Precinct in Downtown Brooklyn.
We believe that LICH is a viable full service hospital and that SUNY Downstate is not the right
operator for this institution. In a February 4, 2013 letter to our elected officials, SUNY President
Carl McCall outlined the fiscal and management challenges facing SUNY Downstate - all of
which predate SUNY's affiliation with LICH.We think that SUNY Downstate has not been able to
manage LICH properly in the context of its own mounting problems.
Although there appear to be no audited financial statements for 2011 and 2012 for LICH, the
Concerned Physicians of LICH and the New York State Nurses Association have compiled data
that indicate that LICH has a high occupancy rate and a very good payor mix (second in Kings
County). Other metrics for the hospital are strong despite an extremely poor (and costly) billing
performance by Continuum. We insist that the adoption of the Sustainability Plan be contingent
on SUNY Downstate providing credible financial information to the public regarding its own
operations at University Hospital and LICH in order that any institutions interested in operating
LICH have audited financial statements.
We wish to remind the Committee that SUNY Downstate University Hospital and its
management issues are distinct from the important role SUNY Downstate plays as an
educational institution training physicians, nurses, and other health-related personnel. We agree
with SUNY Downstate that its medical education mission is important for Brooklyn. LICH,
independent of SUNY, can continue to be a strong partner, as it has been for many years, in
providing the clinical training that is so critical to medical education.
We are opposed to any plan that replaces LICH with a lesser institution - a free-standing
Emergency Room or an outpatient clinic. Anyone in healthcare will confirm that an emergency
room without the back-up of strong medical and surgical departments is simply a "treat and
release" operation. Without the release of the financial information, no serious affiliation bid can
be considered or made. We submit that closing a hospital without serious consideration of all
alternatives (as is prescribed by the New York State Department of Health) is unacceptable to
the residents of the communities in Western Brooklyn who depend upon UCH.
We are convinced that there is strong community and political support to maintain LICH and we
hope that relieving SUNY Downstate of the burden of operating LICH will be a big step in
assisting SUNY Downstate to become sustainable in the future.
Testimony of Julie Semente RN at 6/4/2013 NY State Senate hearing on LICH
June 4, 2013
Testimony of the New York State Nurses Association for the Senate Standing Committee on Higher Education & the Senate Standing Committee on Health
Julie Semente, RN
Good afternoon, my name is Julie Semente. I have been a registered nurse at Long Island College Hospital, also known as LICH, since 1983, caring for patients in the intensive care unit and critical care division. I am also an elected leader in the New York State Nurses Association.
Today I am speaking on behalf of my colleagues, the NYSNA nurses at LICH.
I'd like to thank the Committee for affording me this opportunity today. Senator LaValle, you may remember me from our fight to save SUNY's Stony Brook Southampton campus from closure in 2010 and the students' lawsuit, in which my daughter, Tara, was one of the six plaintiffs.
Just as we were successful in preserving Southampton campus for that community, it is imperative that we succeed in preserving Long Island College Hospital as the full service teaching hospital that has been so important to the Brooklyn community for past 155 years.
Long Island College Hospital's nurses have been fighting for many months to save our hospital and we are going to keep doing whatever it takes to keep LICH open for care as a full service primary and acute care facility – because every day that we keep LICH open for care, we are saving lives.
When SUNY withdrew its closure plan, we were optimistic for LICH's future but we also knew that we had to keep working to transition LICH to a new operator because SUNY is no longer interested in operating this hospital. To keep LICH open as a full service hospital, we are ready to work with any new operator that will put quality care for Brooklyn patients first.
We're encouraged that SUNY's sustainability plan included $129 million for the transfer of LICH to a new operator over the next 4 years, and that several operators have expressed interest in running the hospital. However, SUNY Downstate has still not fully disclosed their financial statements, and they have continued to behave in a way that is neither transparent nor democratic – including holding a so-called town hall meeting instead of participating in meaningful consultation with NYSNA and other stakeholders to give us a voice in the process.
As a LICH nurse, I can tell you that our hospital is viable and very much needed in our community. Brooklyn is the fastest growing borough in New York City and most of the new real estate development is concentrated in the Downtown area neighborhoods that are served by LICH.
In addition to new housing and commercial development, the 18,000 seat Barclays Center is nearby and one third of the people needing emergency care at the stadium are treated at LICH. The revitalized and expanded Brooklyn Bridge Park is just steps from our hospital. Even before the expansion, the park received more than 60,000 visitors on an average summer weekend. LICH is the only full service hospital in this area, serving a wide swath of Brooklyn, its residents, workers, and visitors. We should be investing in quality care for our expanding population instead of cutting services.
In times of crisis, LICH has been essential to our community. After the World Trade Center attack, our ambulances were among the first to respond and LICH cared for many New Yorkers who evacuated to Brooklyn. When a ferry crashed into docks at Lower Manhattan, LICH emergency crews were able to be at the scene within minutes. After Hurricane Sandy, LICH accepted patients evacuated from hospitals that were in harm’s way. In the course of one month from December to January over 1000 patients were cared for at LICH as the city suffered from the worst flu epidemic in recent history. After the tragedy of the Boston marathon bombings, it should be clear that we need more hospitals like LICH that are prepared to handle large-scale catastrophes, not fewer.
Our hospital is highly utilized with a reputation for providing exceptional quality care. In the 2012-2013 US News and World Report, sixty-nine of our physicians were ranked as being among the best in the nation. The same report ranks LICH as the second safest hospital in Brooklyn. Our pulmonary, neurology, nephrology and neurosurgery departments were ranked close to the best and are nationally known.
Averaging an occupancy rate of 90 percent capacity, LICH serves patients throughout all of Brooklyn. Last year, LICH’s emergency room saw 58,710 patients and 15,812 patients were discharged from its in-patient units, many of them children. Other Brooklyn emergency rooms are already overcrowded and understaffed. If LICH closes or ceases to be a full service hospital, the system will be stretched beyond capacity and Brooklyn patients will not get the care that they need. Hospital closures impact everyone, but do the most harm to low-income communities of color that are already medically underserved. Red Hook, Brooklyn is a federally designated healthcare professional shortage area and depends on LICH for its primary, acute, and emergency healthcare.
Fifteen New York City hospitals have closed in the past 10 years and now 4 Brooklyn hospitals are at risk of closure – including LICH and SUNY Downstate. Hospitals across the city have faced financial distress and services have been cut without regard to community needs like those of Red Hook residents.
We must keep LICH and all other Brooklyn hospitals – including SUNY Downstate – open for care.
We’re encouraged that Governor Cuomo is seeking federal assistance for financially distressed Brooklyn hospitals and we will continue to work with state and federal elected leaders on solutions to secure funding to keep our hospitals open for care.
We know that LICH is a good hospital and will continue to provide quality care to Brooklyn patients as a full service hospital for another 150 years – if it’s managed properly. Let’s work together to ensure that we bring in a new operator that is committed to doing just that.
Any sustainability plan implemented by SUNY and approved by the state must guarantee that our full hospital, not just pieces of it, stays open for care. Our community needs LICH as a full service primary and acute care facility. We will not allow our hospital to be sold off for its real estate value. Our patient’s lives are more important than any real estate deal.
As a nurse, my job is to care for patients at their bedside but it is also to advocate for them in every way that I can—whether that means marching across Brooklyn, doing early morning interviews with TV reporters, getting on buses to Purchase, or coming here to testify in Albany.
I’m here today for my patients. I'm asking you to work with my union NYSNA, myself and every other advocate for Brooklyn patients, to keep LICH and all Brooklyn hospitals open for care.
LICH situation update - May 30. 2013
Since many of you may have your info via rumors and other questionable sources, the following is my attempt to summarize the situation that LICH finds itself in at present:
(I have included links at the end of this email)
1 - SUNY/DMC did withdraw their closure plan for LICH a while ago as you know.
2 - SUNY/DMC continues to do everything possible to "de facto" close LICH despite all
of our efforts.
3 - SUNY has released a "restructuring plan" for SUNY and has made it repeatedly clear in the past few weeks that "LICH will be cut loose" - SUNY has no interest in running LICH.
4 - SUNY has stated that their RFI (Request for Information) presented for potential suitors for LICH is the ONLY WAY that LICH will survive - and they have said in various statements that there are "1, 2 or 5" suitors who are interested in taking over LICH -
they have refused to give us information about these apparent potential suitors.
5 - SUNY/DMC has FORCED LICH last week to withdraw its residency programs for the first time in history and are thereby trying to convert LICH into the equivalent of a walk-in clinic/hospital, instead of the full-service hospital that it is at present - many of you may not realize the significance of this, but this is a major assault on LICH by SUNY.
6 - Our attorneys are still pursuing the lawsuit we have in court, and will petition the court regarding this latest clear violation of the "TRO" (The Restraining Order) that SUNY not do anything to further the closure of LICH.
7 - There continue to be multiple issues that many of you are concerned about - the lack of contracts for full-time MD's whose contracts expire on 6/30/13, the lack of appropriate psychiatry coverage and local psych patients left without appropriate care, the sense of job security that anyone would expect, and the
continuing sense of uncertainty that SUNY/DMC is clearly eager to continue.
So what do we do?
Continue doing what we have done to get us this far..
Keep the faith!
Demand information about potential suitors
Speak up to Gov. Cuomo and the NYS Dept. of Health
Write letters
Support our legal effort with contributions
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
Best regards to all of you and to LICH,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
New York Business Journal - SUNY Downstate commits to ridding itself of LICH
SUNY Plans To Give Up Management Of LICH As Part Of Restructuring Plan - NY1
LICH Patients' Committee to Save Our Hospital
From NYSNA:
Dear Neighbors,
That Long Island College Hospital remains open for care is the product of a strong coalition of community groups, unions, physicians and elected officials. This coalition continues to be active and is working hard to assure that LICH serves our communities as a full service hospital for years to come.
Individual hospital patients and former patients have been a key component of our coalition. Some patients have shared their stories with the media and at rallies, some have distributed posters and literature, and others have involved their families and neighbors to support the Save LICH campaign.
Susan Raboy, a Brooklyn Heights neighbor and former LICH patient who has been a constant presence at our community events would like to invite other LICH patients and their family and friends to join the newly formed LICH Patients' Committee to Save Our Hospital.
In the weeks ahead we will be working to keep the LICH story alive, and LICH patients and their family and friends will be a major part of that effort.
If you or someone you know would like to join this committee, please contact Susan Raboy at suerab1@gmail.com.
The Bracelets that say "save Lich" and "Lich saves lives" (updated)
The LICH NICU nurses are doing a fundraiser to raise money for legal fees. We are selling t bracelets that say "Save Lich" and "Lich Saves Lives" for minimum $5.
Please call nicu at 718-780-1832 and ask for Eileen. If she is not in, leave your phone number and name and we will get back to you. Eileen has an order of bracelets coming in soon. The first order was sold out in two days. If this order sells fast, they will order more.
Town Hall Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Sustainability Plan for SUNY Downstate
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Contact: David Doyle; David.Doyle@suny.edu; 518-320-1311
Albany – The State University of New York has scheduled a Town Hall Meeting for public discussion of the Sustainability Plan under development for SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
Town Hall Meeting (opportunity for public comment)
Monday, May 20, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Alumni Auditorium
395 Lenox Road
Brooklyn, New York
Persons who wish to make brief comments (no more than three minutes) are requested to file their names with the Registration Officer in advance of the beginning of the Town Hall Meeting. This can be done in person at the Town Hall Meeting prior to the starting time, or by e-mailing hospitalsustainabilityplan@suny.edu with the speaker’s name, e-mail address, and phone number.
The Town Hall Meeting will begin with a brief presentation from SUNY and Downstate officials, followed by comments from interested elected officials. All registered speakers will then be called upon in the order in which they have registered. Extended, written testimony may also be submitted to hospitalsustainabilityplan@suny.edu.
To learn more about the situation at Downstate and provide ideas directly to the process, visit www.suny.edu/hospitals/downstate/.
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating nearly 468,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses with nearly 3 million alumni around the globe. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu.
###
Major victory for Brooklyn patients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2013
Eliza Bates, NYSNA eliza.bates@nysna.org, (917) 565-2976
Robert Hadley, 1199SEIU robert.hadley@1199.org, (646) 627-0382
Dr. Toomas Sorra, Concerned Physicians toomasmd@aol.com, (917) 435-2672
SUNY withdraws plan to close Long Island College Hospital
Major victory for Brooklyn patients
(New York, NY) Today, SUNY withdrew its plan to close Long Island College Hospital. LICH is open for care and will stay open.
In a letter sent to the New York City Council earlier this week, SUNY committed to expand its search for a new operator for the 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. "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."
"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," said George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. "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."
“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.”
“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,” said City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Yesterday, the Council voted unanimously in favor of a Resolution calling on SUNY and the State Department of Health to work with stakeholders to find another operator for LICH. We also rallied with 1199 SEIU and the New York State Nurses Association to send the message that preserving access to vital health care in this area is essential. Our message was heard. We look forward to working with SUNY to ensure that the community has continued access to quality health care.”
On Thursday, New York City Council members voted unanimously in favor of a resolution calling on SUNY and the Department of Health to work with stakeholders to find another operator for LICH and to ensure that all LICH assets are used to preserve care. Council members Brad Lander and Stephen Levin sponsored the resolution with the strong support of Speaker Christine Quinn. Previously, the resolution was unanimously adopted by the Council’s Health Committee.
City Council Member Brad Lander said, “This is an incredible victory for Downtown Brooklyn and its residents. I am so glad that the message was heard, and that LICH will continue to provide quality medical care to patients throughout Brooklyn. I am grateful to all of the advocates who came together to support LICH, including NYSNA, 1199SEIU, Concerned Physicians of LICH, the Cobble Hill Association, the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association, the Brooklyn Heights Association, and my fellow elected officials. By saving LICH, we have saved lives.”
City Council Member Stephen Levin said, “Today’s announcement is a major victory for the communities of Brooklyn that depend on Long Island College Hospital. The message was clear: LICH saves lives. It is because of the relentless efforts of all the doctors, nurses, patients, elected leaders and advocates that SUNY has heard our call and LICH will continue to provide care for Brooklyn. Thank you to Speaker Quinn and Council Member Lander for their leadership to save LICH.”
The campaign to save LICH has been powered by a diverse coalition of community groups, including New York Communities for Change, the Commission on the Public's Health System, Save Our Safety Net Coalition, Red Hook Initiative, National Action Network and Rev. Al Sharpton, Brooklyn Heights Association, Cobble Hill Association, Carroll Gardens Association, Friends of Sunset Park, Willowtown Association, and many more.
For more than 150 years, LICH has provided vital care to Brooklyn patients. During Hurricane Sandy, LICH took in patients who had to be evacuated from hospitals in harm's way. In 2012, the hospital averaged a 90 percent occupancy rate. LICH serves diverse communities across Brooklyn, including downtown Brooklyn, Red Hook, and Gowanus.
LICH nurses, doctors, and caregivers save lives every day – and we are so happy that we can keep saving lives!
###
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs for all.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
Concerned Physicians of LICH represents the organized physicians and allied medical professionals of Long Island College Hospital.
This Saturday, April 13 at 10 am come to LICH park
Many of us have either had a baby at LICH, plan to have a baby at LICH or have taken our kids to LICH for medical care. Most if not all of us have enjoyed LICH park.
LICH is now seriously threatened as the State of New York wants to sell off
this property and turn it into a high-rise condo!
This Saturday, April 13 at 10 am come to LICH park (for toddlers) on Henry St near Amity St.
We will rally in support of LICH and then go on a stroller march to Court St.!
Governor Cuomo can save our hospital - or close it.
Bring signs, your kids and yourself!
We cannot let our neighborhood hospital be turned into a huge condo building.
Thanks everyone- spread the word to parents.
Do you know where the Ambulance will take you or your child?
LICH Two Minutes to Live commercial - YouTube
Please RSVP to clairektuck@gmail.com so we have a sense of how many people are coming
Want to keep up with latest news, events and activities in Cobble Hill? Bookmark: http://cobblehillassociation.blogspot.com/
LICH UPDATE FROM CONCERNED PHYSICIANS - 4/5/2013
Another favorable Court decision, and the fight goes on..........
As many of you may already know, this has been another busy and productive week for the FIGHT TO SAVE LICH!
-This past Monday, the NY State Supreme Court again ruled in favor of LICH, and issued another restraining order on SUNY/Downstate until May 2, 2013, ordering them to release financial information regarding LICH, including the "deal" they made with Continuum (CHP)
2 years ago allowing CHP to continue billing for LICH until 2015. The press release about this is attached.
http://www.lichmedicalstaff.org/doc/4-1-13TRO(00263291)-c.pdf
-Cobble Hill Association produced an excellent LICH "commercial" which is now airing on New York One, and is up on YouTube as well - it has drawn a lot of attention from the media and elsewhere.
LICH Two Minutes to Live commercial - YouTube
-The March to Save Our Hospital is scheduled this Sunday starting at 1PM in Red Hook and ending with a Rally at LICH
Meet at 1PM at Coffey Park (near the Dwight and Verona Street entrance) to rally and march to
Long Island College Hospital. Community groups, patients, 1199, New York State Nurses Association, Concerned Physicians of LICH, elected officials and many other supporters will voice our commitment to keep LICH open for care.
-The Red Hook Star published an excellent article about LICH -
The Governor and LICH, by Kimberly Gail Price | The Red Hook Star-Revue
Thank you to all that have contributed to our effort to SAVE LICH, remember that you can contribute and find out all the latest LICH info on our website at:
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
Best regards until the March on Sunday,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Brooklyn Supreme Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Blocking Closure of Long Island College Hospital
For Immediate Release: Monday, April 1, 2013
Eliza Bates, NYSNA eliza.bates@nysna.org, (917) 565-2976
Bernadette Ellorin, NYSNA bernadette.ellorin@nysna.org, (347) 947-0671
Robert Hadley, 1199SEIU robert.hadley@1199.org, (646) 627-0382
Dr. Toomas Sorra, Concerned Physicians toomasmd@aol.com, (718)-834-0100; (917) 435-2672
Brooklyn Supreme Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Blocking Closure of Long Island College Hospital
Brooklyn, NY: Patients, nurses, doctors, and caregivers at Long Island College Hospital (LICH) have won another victory in the fight to keep this vital Brooklyn hospital open for care. Today, Justice Johnny Lee Baynes issued a temporary restraining order barring any further action on the LICH closure plan submitted to the Department of Health by SUNY Downstate, including any communications between the SUNY defendants and Department of Health defendants regarding such closure plan.
Closing LICH would potentially harm patients across Brooklyn and particularly residents of Red Hook, a neighborhood that relies primarily on LICH for healthcare and is designated a “Health Professional Shortage Area” by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
The impact of the closure has not been sufficiently investigated, and SUNY needs to behave in a more open and transparent manner to allow patients and caregivers to have a voice in decisions that will impact care in our community.
The suit was brought forth by LICH patients, and the New York State Nurses Association, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, and the Concerned Physicians for LICH on the grounds that state regulations on closing or reducing hospital services are unconstitutionally vague, and that SUNY failed to comply with New York State Education Law.
The defendants include the New York State Department of Health (DOH), New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah, SUNY, SUNY Trustees, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, SUNY Downstate Medical Center Council, and SUNY Downstate President John Williams. A hearing has been scheduled for May 2.
“This temporary restraining order is another victory for Brooklyn patients who depend on LICH, and for nurses, caregivers, and doctors who are fighting to keep our hospital open for care,” said Jill Furillo, RN, Executive Director of the New York State Nurses Association. “LICH saves lives, plain and simple. NYSNA and our allies will continue to pressure our state officials to put patients first.”
“This ruling gives us more time to work with the Department of Health, elected officials and community advocates to develop alternative solutions that will keep LICH’s vital services and good jobs in the community,” said 1199SEIU President George Gresham. “From the beginning, SUNY never publicly put forward even a basic business plan. We firmly believe that with the right planning, management and vision this hospital could thrive, however, SUNY has instead pursued a path of rushing to close this hospital.”
In response to Justice Baynes’ decision, Toomas Sorra, MD, President of Concerned Physicians of LICH LLC said, “Concerned Physicians for LICH is gratified by Justice Baynes’ decision today to halt the closure of LICH while the Court considers our arguments. We are particularly pleased that Justice Baynes did not accept at face value unsupported statements by the State about LICH’s financial condition, and that he is requiring that SUNY Downstate provide the Court with previously undisclosed financial information, including information on SUNY Downstate’s billing practices for services provided at LICH. We will continue to provide critical health care services to our patients and work to keep LICH open.”
Attorneys for NYSNA, 1199SEIU, and the Concerned Physicians previously won an injunction against the SUNY Trustees, validating claims that their first meeting violated New York’s Open Meetings Law. Two weeks later, Justic Baynes ruled that SUNY’s vote to close the hospital was improper and unlawful.
SUNY Trustees held another meeting in Purchase on March 18th and voted again to close the hospital, but the proposal to close LICH must be approved by the DOH in order to take effect.
###
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs for all.
Concerned Physicians of LICH, LLC represents the organized physicians of LICH. The mission of Concerned Physicians is to ensure that LICH remains open and that patients in the community continue to have access to high quality health care and innovative treatment.
LICH UPDATE FROM CONCERNED PHYSICIANS - 3/29/2013
There has been a lot of activity regarding LICH recently, most of which you can view on our website:
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
I will highlight the major recent events and plans going forward.....
Following the SUNY hearing in Purchase NY last week, at which SUNY again voted to propose closing LICH to the NY State Dept of Health, there have been a number of actions taken, including the following:
1 - Since Dr. Williams announced publicly that "I will provide the financial information of LICH and DMC (Downstate) to anyone" at the SUNY meeting, both NYSNA and the LICH Concerned Physicians (CPL) sent FedEx letters to him asking for this data -
there has been no response.
2 - A meeting of all LICH interested parties was called by Borough President Markowitz on Wednesday
3/27/2013 - there was general agreement that Governor Cuomo was not listening to appeals, and we have to keep up our pressure on Albany.
A link to Sen. Squadron's comments follows:
In reference to Daniel's explanation of the debate on the Health and Mental Hygiene budget bill, and his vote in opposition, I'm sending the following link to his comments from the floor of the Senate last night. The critical section begins at minute 14, but the lead up is extremely interesting also.
To be clear, Senator Squadron voted no because this bill essentially tells Brooklyn it's on its own when it comes to saving LICH and Downstate - allowing SUNY to submit a restructuring plan that won't include any protections for the community and its needs. That's why we're continuing to push DOH not to approve the closure plan.
This bill -- and SUNY's closure plan -- would allow SUNY to turn millions upon millions of dollars in state grants and appropriations into a subsidy for a massive real estate deal with no community or legislative input. Not one community voice has to be listened to. Not one ounce of concern has to be considered about the value for the community if LICH shuts down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3khdCI5n1qk&feature=youtu.be
3- A Red Hook community meeting re: LICH was held last night, which received excellent news coverage, the link is included here:
Nurses, Patients Pushing To Keep Long Island College Hospital Open « CBS New York
4 - There is a BBQ scheduled for tomorrow Saturday at Montero's restaurant on Atlantic Ave a block from LICH starting at 3PM - all proceeds will go to the fight to SAVE LICH.
5 - The Cobble Hill Association produced an excellent commercial about the LICH situation, which will air on NY 1 in the next few days and soon be available on YouTube and other media as well - the link is included as an attachment.
6 - There is a Mayoral Candidate Forum . April 3rd --- 2 blocks from LICH!
St Francis College Remsen St. 6pm
The 5 leading democratic candidates for mayor will be in OUR neighborhood sitting on a stage to answer questions from the community. We could fill that audience & set up for as many questions as we can about LICH! Major press will be there. free press.
see: http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/mayoral-candidates-duke-it-out-brooklyn-april-3-2013-03-28-224300
7 - There is a planned "MARCH on LICH" planned for Sunday April 7, 2013, organized by NYSNA and 1199, starting in RedHook and ending up at LICH in an effort to show Gov. Cuomo and NY State that Brooklyn and LICH means business - specific details will be forthcoming.
There is clearly a lot of activity going on in the fight to SAVE LICH, and we ask for your continuing support, financial and otherwise.
The LICH family has clearly come together on all levels and will continue this important effort!
Please don't forget to visit our website and thereby contribute to our effort,
Toomas M. Sorra MD
President - Concerned Physicians of LICH
(following is a letter on the site which bears reading)
Please pass this message on.
DESTROYING OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
What we need to understand is that this is more than just the closing of Interfaith hospital - this is more than just about the closing of Long Island College hospital. This is about saving our Hospital Healthcare System. With a city of any size, you put municipal systems in place that protect it and allow it to both survive and to thrive. Our hospital system protects you, those you care about and the City itself. As you allow different parts of the system to decay, and to be taken away, we wind up with a situation that can cause the whole Healthcare System to collapse - That’s what we need to recognize is happening, and that’s what we need to fight.
In the last decade, New York City has lost 15 hospitals and 6 more may be on the chopping block.*
Your healthcare system is dying!
It’s dying of neglect.
It’s dying of mismanagement.
It’s dying of greed.
Shouldn’t these viability killers be addressed before closing more hospitals?
Governor Cuomo, you’re closing our hospitals because you say the cost is not sustainable; have you calculated how much more economic cost and human loss might be associated with each closing?
Mayor Bloomberg, one of the highest priority issues that the people of New York have entrusted unto you is Public Safety which includes protection of our Healthcare System. Why aren’t you fighting to save our hospitals? Why, are you so vocal on so many lesser issues but so silent on this far more important one?
While how much soda I ingest may harm or kill me in decades, having to pass one or two closed hospitals during a heart attach may kill me tonight. While your limiting my smoking may extend my life for years, the lack of a near-by hospital may cost me my life this afternoon. While extra City trees and Green Roofs are pretty and of some value, a pregnant mother in distress and her unborn child may never survive to see them if she is forced to travel 20 to 50 extra blocks in search of emergency care.
A legacy built on soda, cigarettes and trees won’t overshadow the harm and deaths caused by allowing this continued destruction of our hospital system.
Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo, we can survive large sodas and a host of other cute initiatives much better than we can the loss of even one more hospital – GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT!!
“Skipp” Roseboro
Community advocate
Message from Concerned Physicians LICH and LICH Coalition - 3/19/2013
The SUNY Board voted today - for the second time (we will find out soon if they got it right this time) to propose the closing of LICH.
This fight for LICH is by no means over, it is just beginning!
They didn't close us a month ago, and they will not do it now.
The NY State Department of Health (and Governor Andrew Coumo) must now examine the SUNY Board's recommendation and decide whether to indeed recommend closing LICH.
The Coalition to Save LICH will continue to "fight the fight" by all means necessary, but we need your continued support with calls and letters to the NY State DOH and Gov. Coumo -
contact information is on the website.
Thank you all for your continuing efforts.
Concerned Physicians if LICH
Nurses, Doctors, Caregivers, Patients to Speak Out Before SUNY Vote On LICH
New vote scheduled in Purchase, NY after previous vote to close hospital ruled unlawful
Who: LICH nurses, doctors, caregivers, patients, and community supporters including members of the Cobble Hill Association, Friends of Sunset Park, the Carroll Garden Neighborhood Association, National Action Network, and New York Communities for Change.
What: Patients and community members will join caregivers to speak out about the vital role of LICH in the health and wellbeing of Brooklyn. Since SUNY is denying patients time on the agenda to make their voices heard before the vote, we’re holding our own speakout outside.
Where: SUNY Purchase, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, New York
When: Tuesday, March 19th at 12 p.m.
Background: Last Thursday, in a huge victory for Brooklyn patients, New York Supreme Court Justice Johnny L. Baynes issued a ruling vacating SUNY’s vote to close Long Island College Hospital (LICH), finding that SUNY violated the New York State Open Meetings Law. Justice Baynes permanently enjoined SUNY from taking any action to close the hospital until they abide by the Open Meetings Law and all other applicable statutory provisions.
SUNY quickly rescheduled their vote for Tuesday, March 19th at 12:30 p.m. in Purchase, NY, far from the community of patients that would be impacted by the closure.
LICH is vital to the community and closing the hospital would put patients from across Brooklyn at risk. For 150 years patients have depended on LICH for emergency and primary care services. Without LICH, Brooklyn’s severely over-crowded emergency rooms would be stretched beyond capacity, wait times would increase, and patient outcomes would get worse.
###
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs for all.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
Concerned Physicians of LICH represents the organized physicians and allied medical professionals of Long Island College Hospital.
SQUADRON: LICH HEARING IN WESTCHESTER A 'SLAP IN THE FACE' - March 14, 2013
DANIEL SQUADRON
NEW YORK STATE SENATOR
26TH DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: March 15, 2013
Contact: Amy Spitalnick, 516-521-0128
SQUADRON: LICH HEARING IN WESTCHESTER A 'SLAP IN THE FACE'
BROOKLYN -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in Cobble Hill, responded to SUNY's plan to hold a Board of Trustees hearing and vote on the future of LICH in Westchester on Tuesday. The hearing was also announced too late for many impacted individuals to sign up to testify. Yesterday, a judge ruled that SUNY had violated the Open Meetings Law in its previous vote on LICH.
Squadron released the following statement:
"It's absurd that SUNY is responding to its unlawful lack of transparency with a shocking lack of transparency.
"To hold a hearing nearly 40 miles away, without a reasonable opportunity for those most affected to testify, is simply a slap in the face to all those impacted.
"It continues to be clear that closing LICH makes no sense. SUNY is only confirming that fact with its unwillingness to have an honest and open conversation.
"I call on the SUNY Board of Trustees to hold a meeting in New York City that complies with the Open Meetings Law and allows those impacted a chance to be heard."
###
Amy Spitalnick
Communications Director
New York State Senator Daniel Squadron
Office: 212.298.5565
Cell: 516.521.0128
Court rules in favor of LICH" - March 14, 2013
At a Special Term Part 68 of the
Supreme Court of the State of New
York, held in and for the County of
Kings, at the Courthouse thereof, at
360 Adams St, Brooklyn, New York,
on the 14th day of March, 2013
PRESENT:
HON. JOHNNY L. BAYNES
Justice
-------------------------------------------------------------------------x Index No. 3057/13
THE NEW YORK STATE NURSES
ASSOCIATION,1199 SEIU UNITED
HEALTHCARE WORKERS EAST,
CONCERNED PHYSICIANS OF LICH, LLC
AND KATHLEEN CAMPBELL,
Petitioners,
DECISION AND ORDER
-against-
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AND
TRUSTEES OF STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW
YORK,
Respondents.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------x
SUNY Vote to Close LICH Ruled Unlawful
For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 13, 2013
Eliza Bates, NYSNA eliza.bates@nysna.org, (917) 565-2976
Bernadette Ellorin, NYSNA bernadette.ellorin@nysna.org,(347) 947-0671
Robert Hadley, 1199SEIU robert.hadley@1199.org, (646) 627-0382
SUNY Vote to Close LICH Ruled Unlawful
Long Island College Hospital is Open for Care
BROOKLYN, NY— In a huge victory for Brooklyn patients and caregivers, New York Supreme Court judge Johnny L. Baynes today issued a ruling vacating SUNY’s vote to close Long Island College Hospital (LICH), finding that SUNY violated the New York State Open Meetings law. Judge Baynes permanently enjoined SUNY from taking any action to close the hospital until they abide by the Open Meetings Law and all other applicable statutory provisions.
The ruling comes after another judge – Justice Betsy Barros – issued a temporary restraining order barring SUNY from closing the hospital or communicating with the Department of Health about its closure plan for LICH.
“This ruling validates what nurses have been saying all along: SUNY acted unlawfully and irresponsibly when they voted to close our community hospital,” said Jill Furillo, RN, Executive Director of the New York State Nurses Association. “We’re going to keep working together to build a powerful coalition to protect Brooklyn patients and keep LICH open for care.”
Even if SUNY comes into full compliance with the Open Meetings Law and other applicable law and properly votes to close the hospital, LICH cannot close without approval by the Department of Health.
“LICH is open for care, and patients, neighbors and staff vow to do whatever it takes to keep this vital hospital open, including continued community actions, lobbying lawmakers and exploring further legal strategies,” said George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “We cannot allow the destruction of healthcare access and good jobs in Brooklyn.”
Advocates are calling on state lawmakers to start listening to New York patients, caregivers, and community members. The State should tap into LICH’s full potential as a primary care facility and invest in strengthening it, rather than closing it and selling off the real estate.
Dr. Toomas Sorra, a representative of Concerned Physicians for LICH said, “We are very pleased with Judge Baynes’ ruling. Patients, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, community organizations and elected representatives are unified in our efforts to keep LICH open as a full-service hospital well in to the future, as it has been for more than 150 years. The care at LICH—as documented in the US News & World Report national hospital survey—is of the highest quality. Closing LICH would deprive Brooklyn of a critical health care resource and leave multiple Brooklyn neighborhoods without appropriate access to an emergency room and other necessary health care services. We are particularly concerned about the effects of closure on the low-income communities we serve.”
At a hearing last Friday, Judge Baynes heard argument and extended the Temporary Restraining Order pending his decision. Before the hearing, caregivers and patients rallied in the snow and held a press conference with lawmakers, including City Council Members Steven Levin, Letitia James, and Brad Lander, and State Senator Daniel Squadron and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. The press conference was emceed by a representative of New York Communities for Change, and supporters from the National Action Network also participated.
LICH is vital to the community and closing the hospital would put patients from across Brooklyn at risk. For 150 years patients have depended on LICH for emergency and primary care services. Without LICH, Brooklyn’s severely over-crowded emergency rooms would be stretched beyond capacity, wait times would increase, and patient outcomes would get worse.
###
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs for all.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
Update from Concerned Physicians - March 12, 2013
We are sending a quick update re: the LICH situation -
as most of you know, the Supreme Court of New York extended the TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) against Downstate Medical Center regarding their plan to close LICH,
in order to further review the documents and facts of the case.
Representatives of the "Coalition to Save LICH" including Concerned Physicians, NYSNA and 1199 traveled to Albany today to meet with the assistant to Commissioner of the Department of Health to discuss issues related to LICH -
there is a meeting of the Coalition scheduled for tomorrow evening and updates will be forthcoming.
There is clearly a groundswell of support in the local LICH community, as witnessed by ads in local papers and NYC newspapers as well - we thank you all for your support!
An excellent video in support of LICH was compiled by one of the children of a LICH ICU RN - this is the link:
LICH Open for Care - YouTube
Please share this with you friends and neighbors, and also visit our website:
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
to not only see all recent info regarding LICH and support us, but to also see the "popup" created by one of our Board members Dr. Melman -
"LICH - the hospital that could"
Thank you all for your support,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD -
on behalf of Concerned Physicians of LICH
Judge Extends Temporary Restraining Order Barring Closure of LICH
Nurses, Doctors, Caregivers, and Lawmakers are Keeping Hospital Open for Care
BROOKLYN, NY—In a victory for patients across Brooklyn, today New York Supreme Court Judge Johnny Lee Baynes extended the Temporary Restraining Order barring SUNY from moving forward with a plan to close Long Island College Hospital (LICH), saying that he needed more time to review the evidence before making a decision.
LICH is open for care. The extension of the Order has added momentum to a community-based movement by nurses, doctors, caregivers, patients, community and elected leaders.
This morning before the hearing, caregivers and patients rallied in the snow and held a press conference with lawmakers, including City Council Members Steven Levin, Letitia James, and Brad Lander, and State Senator Daniel Squadron and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. The press conference was emceed by a representative of New York Communities for Change, and supporters from the National Action Network also participated.
“This is a victory for the communities served by LICH,” said Jill Furillo, RN, Executive Director of the New York State Nurses Association. “And a victory for all of the patients who require care in hospitals throughout the Borough. Hundreds of thousands of patients will be negatively impacted by any decision to close LICH. We can't let that happen because we are patient advocates. That's why we will continue to everything we can to keep LICH open for care.”
LICH is vital to the community and closing the hospital would put patients from across Brooklyn at risk. For 150 years patients have depended on LICH for emergency and primary care services. Without LICH, Brooklyn’s severely over-crowded emergency rooms would be stretched beyond capacity, wait times would increase, and patient outcomes would get worse.
"This is a victory for patients and working people in Brooklyn, and we’re continuing to call on the Department of Health to thoroughly explore alternative solutions that will keep LICH open and viable," said 1199SEIU president George Gresham. "We need more time to explore these options and make sure we maintain LICH's vital healthcare services and good jobs."
Dr. Toomas Sorra, of Concerned Physicians for LICH said: “We’re pleased by Judge Baynes’ decision to continue the temporary restraining order today. It allows us more time to take steps to preserve our communities’ hospital. LICH is full or overcrowded virtually all the time, and the care – as documented in the US News & World Report national hospital survey – is of the highest quality. Patients, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, community organizations and elected representatives are unified behind our efforts to encourage government to keep LICH a viable health care provider well into the future, as it has been since the Civil War.”
LICH is one of several community hospitals at risk. The Department of Health still has the power to step in and keep LICH open for care. LICH advocates are calling on state lawmakers to start listening to New York patients, caregivers, and community members. The State should tap into LICH’s full potential as a primary care facility and invest in strengthening it.
###
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs for all.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
SUNY is clearly trying to frame the narrative as unions vs. fiscal reality/patient safety. The fact they they have shifted their message from "LICH is under-utilized and not needed" to "LICH patient safety is at risk" is a testament to how effective our campaign messaging is.
The BEST way to move forward is to stick with our public message points of hope and positivity.
And we need LICH patients and health care providers-- real authorities on patient care-- delivering it.
Our message is simple.
1. LICH saves lives
2. LICH serves ALL of Brooklyn, not just the neighborhoods surrounding it
3. Closing LICH would jeopardize Brooklyn patient care
4. The closing of LICH would prop up billion-dollar real estate development interests. Do patients need a hospital or a high rise condo?
Let's not let this ridiculous framing from SUNY put us on the defensive. Let's get our positive public message out there by drafting letters to the editor in response to the Daily News article, focusing on the points above.
Daily News Letters to the Editor can be emailed to voicers@edit.nydailynews.com. Please include your full name, address and phone number. (This information will be used for verification purposes only). The Daily News reserves the right to edit letters.
Other tips that might be good to include in your email:
* Talk about your experience as a patient
* Focus on patient care
* Paint a picture. Use vivid details.
* Be concise. Fewer words are better. A short letter means less work for the Daily News editor so you're more likely to be printed.
The NYSNA team is here to work with you to get this message out. You can reach me at 718 714 8863 or at michelle.green@nysna.org.
And see you tomorrow at for the LICH pre-hearing press conference at 9:00AM, Friday, March 8th, at the steps of the main entrance to the State Supreme Court Building on 360 Adams Street, Cadman Plaza side.
Regards,
Mickey
Michelle Green
Assistant Director for Special Projects
New York State Nurses Association
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 1007
212 785 0157 x175
718 714 8863 (cell)
Update from LICH Nursing Staff - March 7, 2013
Dear Neighbor:
You've probably read the latest article from the Daily News where SUNY Downstate makes the absurd claim that keeping LICH open for care is putting patient safety at risk. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/delay-long-island-college-hospital-closure-threatens-patient-safety-state-officials-argue-article-1.1281388
Jill Furillo's quote in the Daily News demolishes this ridiculous argument: 'Nurses’ union head Jill Furillo said LICH employees are very attentive to patient safety. “Every day our coalition keeps LICH open for care, we are saving lives,” she said.'
SUNY is clearly trying to frame the narrative as unions vs. fiscal reality/patient safety. The fact they they have shifted their message from "LICH is under-utilized and not needed" to "LICH patient safety is at risk" is a testament to how effective our campaign messaging is.
The BEST way to move forward is to stick with our public message points of hope and positivity.
And we need LICH patients and health care providers-- real authorities on patient care-- delivering it.
Our message is simple.
1. LICH saves lives
2. LICH serves ALL of Brooklyn, not just the neighborhoods surrounding it
3. Closing LICH would jeopardize Brooklyn patient care
4. The closing of LICH would prop up billion-dollar real estate development interests. Do patients need a hospital or a high rise condo?
Let's not let this ridiculous framing from SUNY put us on the defensive. Let's get our positive public message out there by drafting letters to the editor in response to the Daily News article, focusing on the points above.
Daily News Letters to the Editor can be emailed to voicers@edit.nydailynews.com. Please include your full name, address and phone number. (This information will be used for verification purposes only). The Daily News reserves the right to edit letters.
Other tips that might be good to include in your email:
* Talk about your experience as a patient
* Focus on patient care
* Paint a picture. Use vivid details.
* Be concise. Fewer words are better. A short letter means less work for the Daily News editor so you're more likely to be printed.
The NYSNA team is here to work with you to get this message out. You can reach me at 718 714 8863 or at michelle.green@nysna.org.
And see you tomorrow at for the LICH pre-hearing press conference at 9:00AM, Friday, March 8th, at the steps of the main entrance to the State Supreme Court Building on 360 Adams Street, Cadman Plaza side.
Regards,
Mickey
Michelle Green
Assistant Director for Special Projects
New York State Nurses Association
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 1007
212 785 0157 x175
718 714 8863 (cell)
Update from Concerned Physicians - March 5, 2013
There was a meeting of the entire LICH Medical Staff last night, attended by representatives of our "Coalition to Save LICH" members, including NYSNA, 1199, Roy Sloane from the Cobble Hill Association and Brad Lander, as well as representatives of other elected officials.There was unanimous agreement that our fight to Save LICH is gaining a groundswell of support in the community, and our fight will go on.
The next few days will be very busy for LICH, with the anticipated court hearing on the injunction issued against SUNY scheduled for Thursday March 7, 2013 -
there will be a rally/press conference on 3/7/2013 at 360 Adams Street in front of the Courthouse at 9AM that day, with the hearing scheduled for 9:30AM - attendance by interested parties at the hearing is apparently possible.
Please see previous updates for dates of scheduled meetings next week, we will keep you updated on developments ASAP.
Update from Concerned Physicians - Feb. 27, 2013
Lich continues in the news and we continue to fight for the survival of LICH -updated articles from the New York Times and most recently from the Red Hook Journal are on our website, please review them.
The "Coalition to Save LICH" - which includes Concerned Physicians of LICH, NYSNA, 1199, community leaders and elected officials - met again yesterday at LICH -
the meeting was very productive - the summary follows:
1- Letters have been sent to the NYC Planning Commission, signed by all local elected officials, to request a zoning change for the LICH campus and thereby prevent conversion of LICH into "Condo on the Waterfront".
2- Outreach to the Red Hook community - the following events will take place -
- 3/1/2013 Friday 8:30-11:30am - Fairway re-opening -NYSNA and other LICH supporters will be there to give a voice to keep LICH open.
- 3/12/2013 3:30-5:30PM - meeting in Gowanus Houses community room
- 3/14/2013 6:30-8:30PM - meeting in PS 15 RedHook
3 - The Chairman of the LICH Dept of Psychiatry has resigned, and evidence indicates that this is an attempt by DMC to shut down this valuable part of LICH - we are investigating, stay tuned for details...........
4 - SUNY/DMC has not provided financial info re: LICH since late 2011 - we only hear lies presented in the media - we are exploring all avenues to get to the truth, since our internal financial info re: LICH shows it to be "in the black" since the beginning of 2013.
5 - We are continuing to explore potential "suitors" that can better manage LICH than the terrible results of the past 15 years with Continuum and Downstate.
Update from Concerned Physicians - Feb. 21, 2013
The past several days have been very active for the effort to save LICH
.The "Coalition to Save LICH" of all interested parties met again on Tuesday evening and discussed plans going forward.
This morning, the joint legal efforts of LICH Concerned Physicians, NYSNA and 1199 secured at least an initial victory for LICH with a restraining order issued against SUNY - the details are the following, and a copy of the decision is in the "documents" folder.
"Sufficient cause having been shown therefore, it is ordered that pending the hearing of this motion, the respondents and all other persons, known or unknown, acting in their behalf or in concert with them in any manner or by any means, are hereby enjoined and restrained from: executing and implementing the approval of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York by acting to close Long Island College Hospital, including any communication with the Department of Health in furtherance of the application submitted or to submit any such application to close Long Island College Hospital."
Update from Concerned Physicians - February 17, 2013
This long holiday weekend has seen several excellent articles in the press about the LICH situation - Sunday Daily News by Denis Hammil and BrooklynDailyEagle with a good summary of the Kane Street Synagogue meeting last Thursday - both articles are featured on our "HOME" link -
Look for updates in the upcoming workweek in our continuing effort to
KEEP LICH ALIVE......
Update from Concerned Physicians - February 14, 2013
Another busy day for LICH-related action -Mayor Bloomberg held his "State of the City" address at Barclay Center today, and in a hastily organized effort, a vocal group of LICH RN's and other supporters were able to attend and draw attention to the LICH situation.
The Kane Street Synagogue was packed this evening for the "Support LICH Town Hall Meeting", with a cross-section of LICH MD's, RN's, 1199 employees, and other workers, as well as a large group of community residents.
Of the local elected officials, Senator Squadron and Assemblywoman Millman spoke strongly in support of LICH, as did Dan Wiley on behalf of Congresswoman Velazquez.
A thorough explanation of Downstate(DMC) financial mismanagement, and indeed that of Continuum(CHP) was provided by the NYSNA financial expert.
In fact, during the course of the meeting, there were demands from various speakers that an investigation into "dirty back-room deals" be launched, both with respect to DMC and CHP.
A cross-section of speakers, including LICH physicians, RN's, techs, ambulance drivers, and community residents kept the synagogue rocking with periodic chants of "LICH IS OPEN", "SAVE LICH", and others.
Representatives from the press were present, check this website for updates tomorrow.
Update from Concerned Physicians - 2/14/2013
We are working in a collaborative fashion with the entire "LICH family" -nurses, employees, community, and elected officials - and we need the help of all of you, the friends of LICH.
1-Attend scheduled meetings and rallies and volunteer your efforts.
2-Call and write the NY State Department of Health and Governor Cuomo.
3-Contribute to the fight to save LICH - there are many expenses, legal and otherwise, that need to be funded to continue our effort - checks can be made out to:
"Concerned Physicians of LICH"
554 Henry Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Thank you all for your support, and PLEASE contact us with any of your ideas for this important effort.
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Update from Concerned Physicians - 2/13/2013
There is a lot going on regarding LICH in recent weeks, and we will therefore attempt to provide daily updates of developments in this corner of the website.The first meeting of the joint "Coalition to Save LICH" took place last night, attended by representatives of the LICH Concerned Physicians, RN's/NYSNA,1199, and local elected officials. The meeting was very productive, with ideas exchanged about the best ways to move forward with our common goal. We will provide updates regarding specific issues as they take place.
There was a "rumor" today that the NY State Department of Health had decided to stop the closure of LICH because they will start an investigation regarding events surrounding it. Thus far, this is unsubstantiated, despite apparent NY1 TV coverage to this effect, In any case, this may simply be a small "bump in the road" and we still need to do all that we can.
Tomorrow - Thursday 2/14/2013 there is a community meeting at Kane Street Synagogue at 6PM, with information on our homepage - we hope all will attend.
Update from Concerned Physicians - 2/13/2013
There is a lot going on regarding LICH in recent weeks, and we will therefore attempt to provide daily updates of developments in this corner of the website.The first meeting of the joint "Coalition to Save LICH" took place last night, attended by representatives of the LICH Concerned Physicians, RN's/NYSNA,1199, and local elected officials. The meeting was very productive, with ideas exchanged about the best ways to move forward with our common goal. We will provide updates regarding specific issues as they take place.
There was a "rumor" today that the NY State Department of Health had decided to stop the closure of LICH because they will start an investigation regarding events surrounding it. Thus far, this is unsubstantiated, despite apparent NY1 TV coverage to this effect, In any case, this may simply be a small "bump in the road" and we still need to do all that we can.
Tomorrow - Thursday 2/14/2013 there is a community meeting at Kane Street Synagogue at 6PM, with information on our homepage - we hope all will attend.
Crain's Jan 28, 2014 -Brooklyn, Here's $43 Million
Just hours after Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke at a press conference yesterday demanding that HHS grant the state's $10 billion waiver request, his administration announced $56 million in vital access provider financing. But this wasn't just news of the latest round of VAP awards from the state Department of Health. More than $43 million of the funding is for Brooklyn hospitals. The governor made no mention of the VAP funding yesterday when he said Brooklyn hospitals would close without the waiver, and with good reason: Politically, the state's release of $43 million for Brooklyn hospitals makes the waiver somewhat less urgent. The VAP money, of course, is a fraction of the $1 billion of waiver money that New York state hopes to spend on Brooklyn's health care crisis. But $43 million isn't pocket change, either. The awards went to Brookdale Hospital ($14 million), Interfaith Medical Center ($12.9 million), Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center ($10.4 million) and Brooklyn Hospital Center ($5 million).
Cuomo: 'No Plan B'
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, "There is no plan B" to save endangered Brooklyn hospitals if the state's Medicaid waiver isn't approved by the end of February. "Plan B is hospitals close," he said at an editorial board meeting with Crain's on Monday. Of the $10 billion requested, $1 billion would be required to run Brooklyn hospitals through this year's budget cycle, he said. But even with HHS approval of the waiver, "our opening premise is we have excess hospital capacity." Mr. Cuomo added that the state's reputation as a wasteful Medicaid program could also be a factor in the lengthy evaluation period by the feds. "Nationally, New York has a very bad reputation when it comes to Medicaid," he said. "There could be some feeling HHS could be criticized politically if [it gives] money to New York."
SUNY Accounting Blasted
Supporters of Long Island College Hospital alleged in a letter sent last week to politicians that SUNY overstated the Brooklyn hospital's $513 million in liabilities. The figure includes $118 million in personal income tax revenue bonds, a SUNY loan of $75 million, $140 million to repay the Othmer endowment and $180 million to exit LICH. The $75 million loan is designated for Downstate and "has absolutely nothing to do with LICH," the letter alleges. Meanwhile, supporters said the LICH bonds would come due only if the hospital were taken over by a for-profit operator. Supporters also questioned categorizing the $140 Othmer endowment as a liability, said Jeff Strabone, a member of the Cobble Hill Neighborhood Association, one of the groups suing to keep LICH open. Part of the endowment was set aside to settle malpractice cases and should be available now that the statute of limitations on those cases is approaching, said Mr. Strabone. "And where's the rest of that money?" he said. "A $140 million endowment can't be called a $140 million liability unless somebody stole or lost $140 million." A SUNY spokesman declined to comment on the specifics of the letter, citing ongoing lawsuits. He said LICH liabilities had been discussed openly at several SUNY board meetings. "People are entitled to their opinions but not their own facts," he said.
Interfaith money in exchange for control
A new agreement between Interfaith Medical Center and its creditors gives the bankrupt Brooklyn hospital a $7.5 million cash infusion. But in a clear sign of the state regulators' deep frustration with Interfaith's board of trustees and management, the money is contingent on Interfaith's moving to the control of a new operator by March 14.
The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, a major creditor of the hospital and the source of its lifeline debtor-in-possession financing, stipulated that Interfaith must "transfer control and operation of and full financial responsibility for all of its operating assets together with related real property and personal assets" to a temporary operator appointed by the state Department of Health.
The replacement of a hospital's management with a state-appointed operator is a rare occurrence, a last resort of sorts when DOH's other efforts to negotiate with hospitals has failed. That was the case with Peninsula Hospital. The Queens hospital is closed, but its assets are still overseen by a trustee appointed during the bankruptcy proceedings after DOH shut down Peninsula's laboratory for dangerous conditions.
Interfaith's agreement with DASNY at a court hearing on Monday calls for the hospital to get a loan of $17.4 million, including a previously announced $4 million in vital access provider funding. The state awarded Interfaith an additional $12.9 million yesterday in funds from the VAP program, which is for safety-net providers. DASNY's new loan agreement for Interfaith is $25.1 million.
This Saturday, April 13 at 10 am come to LICH park
Many of us have either had a baby at LICH, plan to have a baby at LICH or have taken our kids to LICH for medical care. Most if not all of us have enjoyed LICH park.
LICH is now seriously threatened as the State of New York wants to sell off
this property and turn it into a high-rise condo!
This Saturday, April 13 at 10 am come to LICH park (for toddlers) on Henry St near Amity St.
We will rally in support of LICH and then go on a stroller march to Court St.!
Governor Cuomo can save our hospital - or close it.
Bring signs, your kids and yourself!
We cannot let our neighborhood hospital be turned into a huge condo building.
Thanks everyone- spread the word to parents.
Do you know where the Ambulance will take you or your child?
LICH Two Minutes to Live commercial - YouTube
Please RSVP to clairektuck@gmail.com so we have a sense of how many people are coming
Want to keep up with latest news, events and activities in Cobble Hill? Bookmark: http://cobblehillassociation.blogspot.com/
LICH UPDATE FROM CONCERNED PHYSICIANS - 4/5/2013
Another favorable Court decision, and the fight goes on..........
As many of you may already know, this has been another busy and productive week for the FIGHT TO SAVE LICH!
-This past Monday, the NY State Supreme Court again ruled in favor of LICH, and issued another restraining order on SUNY/Downstate until May 2, 2013, ordering them to release financial information regarding LICH, including the "deal" they made with Continuum (CHP)
2 years ago allowing CHP to continue billing for LICH until 2015. The press release about this is attached.
http://www.lichmedicalstaff.org/doc/4-1-13TRO(00263291)-c.pdf
-Cobble Hill Association produced an excellent LICH "commercial" which is now airing on New York One, and is up on YouTube as well - it has drawn a lot of attention from the media and elsewhere.
LICH Two Minutes to Live commercial - YouTube
-The March to Save Our Hospital is scheduled this Sunday starting at 1PM in Red Hook and ending with a Rally at LICH
Meet at 1PM at Coffey Park (near the Dwight and Verona Street entrance) to rally and march to
Long Island College Hospital. Community groups, patients, 1199, New York State Nurses Association, Concerned Physicians of LICH, elected officials and many other supporters will voice our commitment to keep LICH open for care.
-The Red Hook Star published an excellent article about LICH -
The Governor and LICH, by Kimberly Gail Price | The Red Hook Star-Revue
Thank you to all that have contributed to our effort to SAVE LICH, remember that you can contribute and find out all the latest LICH info on our website at:
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
Best regards until the March on Sunday,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Concerned Physicians of LICH
Brooklyn Supreme Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Blocking Closure of Long Island College Hospital
For Immediate Release: Monday, April 1, 2013
Eliza Bates, NYSNA eliza.bates@nysna.org, (917) 565-2976
Bernadette Ellorin, NYSNA bernadette.ellorin@nysna.org, (347) 947-0671
Robert Hadley, 1199SEIU robert.hadley@1199.org, (646) 627-0382
Dr. Toomas Sorra, Concerned Physicians toomasmd@aol.com, (718)-834-0100; (917) 435-2672
Brooklyn Supreme Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Blocking Closure of Long Island College Hospital
Brooklyn, NY: Patients, nurses, doctors, and caregivers at Long Island College Hospital (LICH) have won another victory in the fight to keep this vital Brooklyn hospital open for care. Today, Justice Johnny Lee Baynes issued a temporary restraining order barring any further action on the LICH closure plan submitted to the Department of Health by SUNY Downstate, including any communications between the SUNY defendants and Department of Health defendants regarding such closure plan.
Closing LICH would potentially harm patients across Brooklyn and particularly residents of Red Hook, a neighborhood that relies primarily on LICH for healthcare and is designated a “Health Professional Shortage Area” by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
The impact of the closure has not been sufficiently investigated, and SUNY needs to behave in a more open and transparent manner to allow patients and caregivers to have a voice in decisions that will impact care in our community.
The suit was brought forth by LICH patients, and the New York State Nurses Association, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, and the Concerned Physicians for LICH on the grounds that state regulations on closing or reducing hospital services are unconstitutionally vague, and that SUNY failed to comply with New York State Education Law.
The defendants include the New York State Department of Health (DOH), New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah, SUNY, SUNY Trustees, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, SUNY Downstate Medical Center Council, and SUNY Downstate President John Williams. A hearing has been scheduled for May 2.
“This temporary restraining order is another victory for Brooklyn patients who depend on LICH, and for nurses, caregivers, and doctors who are fighting to keep our hospital open for care,” said Jill Furillo, RN, Executive Director of the New York State Nurses Association. “LICH saves lives, plain and simple. NYSNA and our allies will continue to pressure our state officials to put patients first.”
“This ruling gives us more time to work with the Department of Health, elected officials and community advocates to develop alternative solutions that will keep LICH’s vital services and good jobs in the community,” said 1199SEIU President George Gresham. “From the beginning, SUNY never publicly put forward even a basic business plan. We firmly believe that with the right planning, management and vision this hospital could thrive, however, SUNY has instead pursued a path of rushing to close this hospital.”
In response to Justice Baynes’ decision, Toomas Sorra, MD, President of Concerned Physicians of LICH LLC said, “Concerned Physicians for LICH is gratified by Justice Baynes’ decision today to halt the closure of LICH while the Court considers our arguments. We are particularly pleased that Justice Baynes did not accept at face value unsupported statements by the State about LICH’s financial condition, and that he is requiring that SUNY Downstate provide the Court with previously undisclosed financial information, including information on SUNY Downstate’s billing practices for services provided at LICH. We will continue to provide critical health care services to our patients and work to keep LICH open.”
Attorneys for NYSNA, 1199SEIU, and the Concerned Physicians previously won an injunction against the SUNY Trustees, validating claims that their first meeting violated New York’s Open Meetings Law. Two weeks later, Justic Baynes ruled that SUNY’s vote to close the hospital was improper and unlawful.
SUNY Trustees held another meeting in Purchase on March 18th and voted again to close the hospital, but the proposal to close LICH must be approved by the DOH in order to take effect.
###
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs for all.
Concerned Physicians of LICH, LLC represents the organized physicians of LICH. The mission of Concerned Physicians is to ensure that LICH remains open and that patients in the community continue to have access to high quality health care and innovative treatment.
LICH UPDATE FROM CONCERNED PHYSICIANS - 3/29/2013
There has been a lot of activity regarding LICH recently, most of which you can view on our website:
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
I will highlight the major recent events and plans going forward.....
Following the SUNY hearing in Purchase NY last week, at which SUNY again voted to propose closing LICH to the NY State Dept of Health, there have been a number of actions taken, including the following:
1 - Since Dr. Williams announced publicly that "I will provide the financial information of LICH and DMC (Downstate) to anyone" at the SUNY meeting, both NYSNA and the LICH Concerned Physicians (CPL) sent FedEx letters to him asking for this data -
there has been no response.
2 - A meeting of all LICH interested parties was called by Borough President Markowitz on Wednesday
3/27/2013 - there was general agreement that Governor Cuomo was not listening to appeals, and we have to keep up our pressure on Albany.
A link to Sen. Squadron's comments follows:
In reference to Daniel's explanation of the debate on the Health and Mental Hygiene budget bill, and his vote in opposition, I'm sending the following link to his comments from the floor of the Senate last night. The critical section begins at minute 14, but the lead up is extremely interesting also.
To be clear, Senator Squadron voted no because this bill essentially tells Brooklyn it's on its own when it comes to saving LICH and Downstate - allowing SUNY to submit a restructuring plan that won't include any protections for the community and its needs. That's why we're continuing to push DOH not to approve the closure plan.
This bill -- and SUNY's closure plan -- would allow SUNY to turn millions upon millions of dollars in state grants and appropriations into a subsidy for a massive real estate deal with no community or legislative input. Not one community voice has to be listened to. Not one ounce of concern has to be considered about the value for the community if LICH shuts down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3khdCI5n1qk&feature=youtu.be
3- A Red Hook community meeting re: LICH was held last night, which received excellent news coverage, the link is included here:
Nurses, Patients Pushing To Keep Long Island College Hospital Open « CBS New York
4 - There is a BBQ scheduled for tomorrow Saturday at Montero's restaurant on Atlantic Ave a block from LICH starting at 3PM - all proceeds will go to the fight to SAVE LICH.
5 - The Cobble Hill Association produced an excellent commercial about the LICH situation, which will air on NY 1 in the next few days and soon be available on YouTube and other media as well - the link is included as an attachment.
6 - There is a Mayoral Candidate Forum . April 3rd --- 2 blocks from LICH!
St Francis College Remsen St. 6pm
The 5 leading democratic candidates for mayor will be in OUR neighborhood sitting on a stage to answer questions from the community. We could fill that audience & set up for as many questions as we can about LICH! Major press will be there. free press.
see: http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/mayoral-candidates-duke-it-out-brooklyn-april-3-2013-03-28-224300
7 - There is a planned "MARCH on LICH" planned for Sunday April 7, 2013, organized by NYSNA and 1199, starting in RedHook and ending up at LICH in an effort to show Gov. Cuomo and NY State that Brooklyn and LICH means business - specific details will be forthcoming.
There is clearly a lot of activity going on in the fight to SAVE LICH, and we ask for your continuing support, financial and otherwise.
The LICH family has clearly come together on all levels and will continue this important effort!
Please don't forget to visit our website and thereby contribute to our effort,
Toomas M. Sorra MD
President - Concerned Physicians of LICH
(following is a letter on the site which bears reading)
Please pass this message on.
DESTROYING OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
What we need to understand is that this is more than just the closing of Interfaith hospital - this is more than just about the closing of Long Island College hospital. This is about saving our Hospital Healthcare System. With a city of any size, you put municipal systems in place that protect it and allow it to both survive and to thrive. Our hospital system protects you, those you care about and the City itself. As you allow different parts of the system to decay, and to be taken away, we wind up with a situation that can cause the whole Healthcare System to collapse - That’s what we need to recognize is happening, and that’s what we need to fight.
In the last decade, New York City has lost 15 hospitals and 6 more may be on the chopping block.*
Your healthcare system is dying!
It’s dying of neglect.
It’s dying of mismanagement.
It’s dying of greed.
Shouldn’t these viability killers be addressed before closing more hospitals?
Governor Cuomo, you’re closing our hospitals because you say the cost is not sustainable; have you calculated how much more economic cost and human loss might be associated with each closing?
Mayor Bloomberg, one of the highest priority issues that the people of New York have entrusted unto you is Public Safety which includes protection of our Healthcare System. Why aren’t you fighting to save our hospitals? Why, are you so vocal on so many lesser issues but so silent on this far more important one?
While how much soda I ingest may harm or kill me in decades, having to pass one or two closed hospitals during a heart attach may kill me tonight. While your limiting my smoking may extend my life for years, the lack of a near-by hospital may cost me my life this afternoon. While extra City trees and Green Roofs are pretty and of some value, a pregnant mother in distress and her unborn child may never survive to see them if she is forced to travel 20 to 50 extra blocks in search of emergency care.
A legacy built on soda, cigarettes and trees won’t overshadow the harm and deaths caused by allowing this continued destruction of our hospital system.
Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo, we can survive large sodas and a host of other cute initiatives much better than we can the loss of even one more hospital – GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT!!
“Skipp” Roseboro
Community advocate
Message from Concerned Physicians LICH and LICH Coalition - 3/19/2013
The SUNY Board voted today - for the second time (we will find out soon if they got it right this time) to propose the closing of LICH.
This fight for LICH is by no means over, it is just beginning!
They didn't close us a month ago, and they will not do it now.
The NY State Department of Health (and Governor Andrew Coumo) must now examine the SUNY Board's recommendation and decide whether to indeed recommend closing LICH.
The Coalition to Save LICH will continue to "fight the fight" by all means necessary, but we need your continued support with calls and letters to the NY State DOH and Gov. Coumo -
contact information is on the website.
Thank you all for your continuing efforts.
Concerned Physicians if LICH
Nurses, Doctors, Caregivers, Patients to Speak Out Before SUNY Vote On LICH
New vote scheduled in Purchase, NY after previous vote to close hospital ruled unlawful
Who: LICH nurses, doctors, caregivers, patients, and community supporters including members of the Cobble Hill Association, Friends of Sunset Park, the Carroll Garden Neighborhood Association, National Action Network, and New York Communities for Change.
What: Patients and community members will join caregivers to speak out about the vital role of LICH in the health and wellbeing of Brooklyn. Since SUNY is denying patients time on the agenda to make their voices heard before the vote, we’re holding our own speakout outside.
Where: SUNY Purchase, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, New York
When: Tuesday, March 19th at 12 p.m.
Background: Last Thursday, in a huge victory for Brooklyn patients, New York Supreme Court Justice Johnny L. Baynes issued a ruling vacating SUNY’s vote to close Long Island College Hospital (LICH), finding that SUNY violated the New York State Open Meetings Law. Justice Baynes permanently enjoined SUNY from taking any action to close the hospital until they abide by the Open Meetings Law and all other applicable statutory provisions.
SUNY quickly rescheduled their vote for Tuesday, March 19th at 12:30 p.m. in Purchase, NY, far from the community of patients that would be impacted by the closure.
LICH is vital to the community and closing the hospital would put patients from across Brooklyn at risk. For 150 years patients have depended on LICH for emergency and primary care services. Without LICH, Brooklyn’s severely over-crowded emergency rooms would be stretched beyond capacity, wait times would increase, and patient outcomes would get worse.
###
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs for all.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
Concerned Physicians of LICH represents the organized physicians and allied medical professionals of Long Island College Hospital.
SQUADRON: LICH HEARING IN WESTCHESTER A 'SLAP IN THE FACE' - March 14, 2013
DANIEL SQUADRON
NEW YORK STATE SENATOR
26TH DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: March 15, 2013
Contact: Amy Spitalnick, 516-521-0128
SQUADRON: LICH HEARING IN WESTCHESTER A 'SLAP IN THE FACE'
BROOKLYN -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in Cobble Hill, responded to SUNY's plan to hold a Board of Trustees hearing and vote on the future of LICH in Westchester on Tuesday. The hearing was also announced too late for many impacted individuals to sign up to testify. Yesterday, a judge ruled that SUNY had violated the Open Meetings Law in its previous vote on LICH.
Squadron released the following statement:
"It's absurd that SUNY is responding to its unlawful lack of transparency with a shocking lack of transparency.
"To hold a hearing nearly 40 miles away, without a reasonable opportunity for those most affected to testify, is simply a slap in the face to all those impacted.
"It continues to be clear that closing LICH makes no sense. SUNY is only confirming that fact with its unwillingness to have an honest and open conversation.
"I call on the SUNY Board of Trustees to hold a meeting in New York City that complies with the Open Meetings Law and allows those impacted a chance to be heard."
###
Amy Spitalnick
Communications Director
New York State Senator Daniel Squadron
Office: 212.298.5565
Cell: 516.521.0128
Court rules in favor of LICH" - March 14, 2013
At a Special Term Part 68 of the
Supreme Court of the State of New
York, held in and for the County of
Kings, at the Courthouse thereof, at
360 Adams St, Brooklyn, New York,
on the 14th day of March, 2013
PRESENT:
HON. JOHNNY L. BAYNES
Justice
-------------------------------------------------------------------------x Index No. 3057/13
THE NEW YORK STATE NURSES
ASSOCIATION,1199 SEIU UNITED
HEALTHCARE WORKERS EAST,
CONCERNED PHYSICIANS OF LICH, LLC
AND KATHLEEN CAMPBELL,
Petitioners,
DECISION AND ORDER
-against-
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AND
TRUSTEES OF STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW
YORK,
Respondents.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------x
SUNY Vote to Close LICH Ruled Unlawful
For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 13, 2013
Eliza Bates, NYSNA eliza.bates@nysna.org, (917) 565-2976
Bernadette Ellorin, NYSNA bernadette.ellorin@nysna.org,(347) 947-0671
Robert Hadley, 1199SEIU robert.hadley@1199.org, (646) 627-0382
SUNY Vote to Close LICH Ruled Unlawful
Long Island College Hospital is Open for Care
BROOKLYN, NY— In a huge victory for Brooklyn patients and caregivers, New York Supreme Court judge Johnny L. Baynes today issued a ruling vacating SUNY’s vote to close Long Island College Hospital (LICH), finding that SUNY violated the New York State Open Meetings law. Judge Baynes permanently enjoined SUNY from taking any action to close the hospital until they abide by the Open Meetings Law and all other applicable statutory provisions.
The ruling comes after another judge – Justice Betsy Barros – issued a temporary restraining order barring SUNY from closing the hospital or communicating with the Department of Health about its closure plan for LICH.
“This ruling validates what nurses have been saying all along: SUNY acted unlawfully and irresponsibly when they voted to close our community hospital,” said Jill Furillo, RN, Executive Director of the New York State Nurses Association. “We’re going to keep working together to build a powerful coalition to protect Brooklyn patients and keep LICH open for care.”
Even if SUNY comes into full compliance with the Open Meetings Law and other applicable law and properly votes to close the hospital, LICH cannot close without approval by the Department of Health.
“LICH is open for care, and patients, neighbors and staff vow to do whatever it takes to keep this vital hospital open, including continued community actions, lobbying lawmakers and exploring further legal strategies,” said George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “We cannot allow the destruction of healthcare access and good jobs in Brooklyn.”
Advocates are calling on state lawmakers to start listening to New York patients, caregivers, and community members. The State should tap into LICH’s full potential as a primary care facility and invest in strengthening it, rather than closing it and selling off the real estate.
Dr. Toomas Sorra, a representative of Concerned Physicians for LICH said, “We are very pleased with Judge Baynes’ ruling. Patients, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, community organizations and elected representatives are unified in our efforts to keep LICH open as a full-service hospital well in to the future, as it has been for more than 150 years. The care at LICH—as documented in the US News & World Report national hospital survey—is of the highest quality. Closing LICH would deprive Brooklyn of a critical health care resource and leave multiple Brooklyn neighborhoods without appropriate access to an emergency room and other necessary health care services. We are particularly concerned about the effects of closure on the low-income communities we serve.”
At a hearing last Friday, Judge Baynes heard argument and extended the Temporary Restraining Order pending his decision. Before the hearing, caregivers and patients rallied in the snow and held a press conference with lawmakers, including City Council Members Steven Levin, Letitia James, and Brad Lander, and State Senator Daniel Squadron and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. The press conference was emceed by a representative of New York Communities for Change, and supporters from the National Action Network also participated.
LICH is vital to the community and closing the hospital would put patients from across Brooklyn at risk. For 150 years patients have depended on LICH for emergency and primary care services. Without LICH, Brooklyn’s severely over-crowded emergency rooms would be stretched beyond capacity, wait times would increase, and patient outcomes would get worse.
###
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs for all.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
Update from Concerned Physicians - March 12, 2013
We are sending a quick update re: the LICH situation -
as most of you know, the Supreme Court of New York extended the TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) against Downstate Medical Center regarding their plan to close LICH,
in order to further review the documents and facts of the case.
Representatives of the "Coalition to Save LICH" including Concerned Physicians, NYSNA and 1199 traveled to Albany today to meet with the assistant to Commissioner of the Department of Health to discuss issues related to LICH -
there is a meeting of the Coalition scheduled for tomorrow evening and updates will be forthcoming.
There is clearly a groundswell of support in the local LICH community, as witnessed by ads in local papers and NYC newspapers as well - we thank you all for your support!
An excellent video in support of LICH was compiled by one of the children of a LICH ICU RN - this is the link:
LICH Open for Care - YouTube
Please share this with you friends and neighbors, and also visit our website:
www.lichmedicalstaff.org
to not only see all recent info regarding LICH and support us, but to also see the "popup" created by one of our Board members Dr. Melman -
"LICH - the hospital that could"
Thank you all for your support,
Toomas M. Sorra, MD -
on behalf of Concerned Physicians of LICH
Judge Extends Temporary Restraining Order Barring Closure of LICH
Nurses, Doctors, Caregivers, and Lawmakers are Keeping Hospital Open for Care
BROOKLYN, NY—In a victory for patients across Brooklyn, today New York Supreme Court Judge Johnny Lee Baynes extended the Temporary Restraining Order barring SUNY from moving forward with a plan to close Long Island College Hospital (LICH), saying that he needed more time to review the evidence before making a decision.
LICH is open for care. The extension of the Order has added momentum to a community-based movement by nurses, doctors, caregivers, patients, community and elected leaders.
This morning before the hearing, caregivers and patients rallied in the snow and held a press conference with lawmakers, including City Council Members Steven Levin, Letitia James, and Brad Lander, and State Senator Daniel Squadron and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. The press conference was emceed by a representative of New York Communities for Change, and supporters from the National Action Network also participated.
“This is a victory for the communities served by LICH,” said Jill Furillo, RN, Executive Director of the New York State Nurses Association. “And a victory for all of the patients who require care in hospitals throughout the Borough. Hundreds of thousands of patients will be negatively impacted by any decision to close LICH. We can't let that happen because we are patient advocates. That's why we will continue to everything we can to keep LICH open for care.”
LICH is vital to the community and closing the hospital would put patients from across Brooklyn at risk. For 150 years patients have depended on LICH for emergency and primary care services. Without LICH, Brooklyn’s severely over-crowded emergency rooms would be stretched beyond capacity, wait times would increase, and patient outcomes would get worse.
"This is a victory for patients and working people in Brooklyn, and we’re continuing to call on the Department of Health to thoroughly explore alternative solutions that will keep LICH open and viable," said 1199SEIU president George Gresham. "We need more time to explore these options and make sure we maintain LICH's vital healthcare services and good jobs."
Dr. Toomas Sorra, of Concerned Physicians for LICH said: “We’re pleased by Judge Baynes’ decision to continue the temporary restraining order today. It allows us more time to take steps to preserve our communities’ hospital. LICH is full or overcrowded virtually all the time, and the care – as documented in the US News & World Report national hospital survey – is of the highest quality. Patients, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, community organizations and elected representatives are unified behind our efforts to encourage government to keep LICH a viable health care provider well into the future, as it has been since the Civil War.”
LICH is one of several community hospitals at risk. The Department of Health still has the power to step in and keep LICH open for care. LICH advocates are calling on state lawmakers to start listening to New York patients, caregivers, and community members. The State should tap into LICH’s full potential as a primary care facility and invest in strengthening it.
###
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 350,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and quality jobs for all.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for hundreds of thousands of frontline nurses. We are New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.
SUNY is clearly trying to frame the narrative as unions vs. fiscal reality/patient safety. The fact they they have shifted their message from "LICH is under-utilized and not needed" to "LICH patient safety is at risk" is a testament to how effective our campaign messaging is.
The BEST way to move forward is to stick with our public message points of hope and positivity.
And we need LICH patients and health care providers-- real authorities on patient care-- delivering it.
Our message is simple.
1. LICH saves lives
2. LICH serves ALL of Brooklyn, not just the neighborhoods surrounding it
3. Closing LICH would jeopardize Brooklyn patient care
4. The closing of LICH would prop up billion-dollar real estate development interests. Do patients need a hospital or a high rise condo?
Let's not let this ridiculous framing from SUNY put us on the defensive. Let's get our positive public message out there by drafting letters to the editor in response to the Daily News article, focusing on the points above.
Daily News Letters to the Editor can be emailed to voicers@edit.nydailynews.com. Please include your full name, address and phone number. (This information will be used for verification purposes only). The Daily News reserves the right to edit letters.
Other tips that might be good to include in your email:
* Talk about your experience as a patient
* Focus on patient care
* Paint a picture. Use vivid details.
* Be concise. Fewer words are better. A short letter means less work for the Daily News editor so you're more likely to be printed.
The NYSNA team is here to work with you to get this message out. You can reach me at 718 714 8863 or at michelle.green@nysna.org.
And see you tomorrow at for the LICH pre-hearing press conference at 9:00AM, Friday, March 8th, at the steps of the main entrance to the State Supreme Court Building on 360 Adams Street, Cadman Plaza side.
Regards,
Mickey
Michelle Green
Assistant Director for Special Projects
New York State Nurses Association
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 1007
212 785 0157 x175
718 714 8863 (cell)
Update from LICH Nursing Staff - March 7, 2013
Dear Neighbor:
You've probably read the latest article from the Daily News where SUNY Downstate makes the absurd claim that keeping LICH open for care is putting patient safety at risk. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/delay-long-island-college-hospital-closure-threatens-patient-safety-state-officials-argue-article-1.1281388
Jill Furillo's quote in the Daily News demolishes this ridiculous argument: 'Nurses’ union head Jill Furillo said LICH employees are very attentive to patient safety. “Every day our coalition keeps LICH open for care, we are saving lives,” she said.'
SUNY is clearly trying to frame the narrative as unions vs. fiscal reality/patient safety. The fact they they have shifted their message from "LICH is under-utilized and not needed" to "LICH patient safety is at risk" is a testament to how effective our campaign messaging is.
The BEST way to move forward is to stick with our public message points of hope and positivity.
And we need LICH patients and health care providers-- real authorities on patient care-- delivering it.
Our message is simple.
1. LICH saves lives
2. LICH serves ALL of Brooklyn, not just the neighborhoods surrounding it
3. Closing LICH would jeopardize Brooklyn patient care
4. The closing of LICH would prop up billion-dollar real estate development interests. Do patients need a hospital or a high rise condo?
Let's not let this ridiculous framing from SUNY put us on the defensive. Let's get our positive public message out there by drafting letters to the editor in response to the Daily News article, focusing on the points above.
Daily News Letters to the Editor can be emailed to voicers@edit.nydailynews.com. Please include your full name, address and phone number. (This information will be used for verification purposes only). The Daily News reserves the right to edit letters.
Other tips that might be good to include in your email:
* Talk about your experience as a patient
* Focus on patient care
* Paint a picture. Use vivid details.
* Be concise. Fewer words are better. A short letter means less work for the Daily News editor so you're more likely to be printed.
The NYSNA team is here to work with you to get this message out. You can reach me at 718 714 8863 or at michelle.green@nysna.org.
And see you tomorrow at for the LICH pre-hearing press conference at 9:00AM, Friday, March 8th, at the steps of the main entrance to the State Supreme Court Building on 360 Adams Street, Cadman Plaza side.
Regards,
Mickey
Michelle Green
Assistant Director for Special Projects
New York State Nurses Association
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 1007
212 785 0157 x175
718 714 8863 (cell)
Update from Concerned Physicians - March 5, 2013
There was a meeting of the entire LICH Medical Staff last night, attended by representatives of our "Coalition to Save LICH" members, including NYSNA, 1199, Roy Sloane from the Cobble Hill Association and Brad Lander, as well as representatives of other elected officials.There was unanimous agreement that our fight to Save LICH is gaining a groundswell of support in the community, and our fight will go on.
The next few days will be very busy for LICH, with the anticipated court hearing on the injunction issued against SUNY scheduled for Thursday March 7, 2013 -
there will be a rally/press conference on 3/7/2013 at 360 Adams Street in front of the Courthouse at 9AM that day, with the hearing scheduled for 9:30AM - attendance by interested parties at the hearing is apparently possible.
Please see previous updates for dates of scheduled meetings next week, we will keep you updated on developments ASAP.
Update from Concerned Physicians - Feb. 27, 2013
Lich continues in the news and we continue to fight for the survival of LICH -updated articles from the New York Times and most recently from the Red Hook Journal are on our website, please review them.
The "Coalition to Save LICH" - which includes Concerned Physicians of LICH, NYSNA, 1199, community leaders and elected officials - met again yesterday at LICH -
the meeting was very productive - the summary follows:
1- Letters have been sent to the NYC Planning Commission, signed by all local elected officials, to request a zoning change for the LICH campus and thereby prevent conversion of LICH into "Condo on the Waterfront".
2- Outreach to the Red Hook community - the following events will take place -
- 3/1/2013 Friday 8:30-11:30am - Fairway re-opening -NYSNA and other LICH supporters will be there to give a voice to keep LICH open.
- 3/12/2013 3:30-5:30PM - meeting in Gowanus Houses community room
- 3/14/2013 6:30-8:30PM - meeting in PS 15 RedHook
3 - The Chairman of the LICH Dept of Psychiatry has resigned, and evidence indicates that this is an attempt by DMC to shut down this valuable part of LICH - we are investigating, stay tuned for details...........
4 - SUNY/DMC has not provided financial info re: LICH since late 2011 - we only hear lies presented in the media - we are exploring all avenues to get to the truth, since our internal financial info re: LICH shows it to be "in the black" since the beginning of 2013.
5 - We are continuing to explore potential "suitors" that can better manage LICH than the terrible results of the past 15 years with Continuum and Downstate.
Update from Concerned Physicians - Feb. 21, 2013
The past several days have been very active for the effort to save LICH
.The "Coalition to Save LICH" of all interested parties met again on Tuesday evening and discussed plans going forward.
This morning, the joint legal efforts of LICH Concerned Physicians, NYSNA and 1199 secured at least an initial victory for LICH with a restraining order issued against SUNY - the details are the following, and a copy of the decision is in the "documents" folder.
"Sufficient cause having been shown therefore, it is ordered that pending the hearing of this motion, the respondents and all other persons, known or unknown, acting in their behalf or in concert with them in any manner or by any means, are hereby enjoined and restrained from: executing and implementing the approval of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York by acting to close Long Island College Hospital, including any communication with the Department of Health in furtherance of the application submitted or to submit any such application to close Long Island College Hospital."
Update from Concerned Physicians - February 17, 2013
This long holiday weekend has seen several excellent articles in the press about the LICH situation - Sunday Daily News by Denis Hammil and BrooklynDailyEagle with a good summary of the Kane Street Synagogue meeting last Thursday - both articles are featured on our "HOME" link -
Look for updates in the upcoming workweek in our continuing effort to
KEEP LICH ALIVE......
Update from Concerned Physicians - February 14, 2013
Another busy day for LICH-related action -Mayor Bloomberg held his "State of the City" address at Barclay Center today, and in a hastily organized effort, a vocal group of LICH RN's and other supporters were able to attend and draw attention to the LICH situation.
The Kane Street Synagogue was packed this evening for the "Support LICH Town Hall Meeting", with a cross-section of LICH MD's, RN's, 1199 employees, and other workers, as well as a large group of community residents.
Of the local elected officials, Senator Squadron and Assemblywoman Millman spoke strongly in support of LICH, as did Dan Wiley on behalf of Congresswoman Velazquez.
A thorough explanation of Downstate(DMC) financial mismanagement, and indeed that of Continuum(CHP) was provided by the NYSNA financial expert.
In fact, during the course of the meeting, there were demands from various speakers that an investigation into "dirty back-room deals" be launched, both with respect to DMC and CHP.
A cross-section of speakers, including LICH physicians, RN's, techs, ambulance drivers, and community residents kept the synagogue rocking with periodic chants of "LICH IS OPEN", "SAVE LICH", and others.
Representatives from the press were present, check this website for updates tomorrow.
Update from Concerned Physicians - 2/14/2013
We are working in a collaborative fashion with the entire "LICH family" -nurses, employees, community, and elected officials - and we need the help of all of you, the friends of LICH.
1-Attend scheduled meetings and rallies and volunteer your efforts.
2-Call and write the NY State Department of Health and Governor Cuomo.
3-Contribute to the fight to save LICH - there are many expenses, legal and otherwise, that need to be funded to continue our effort - checks can be made out to:
"Concerned Physicians of LICH"
554 Henry Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Thank you all for your support, and PLEASE contact us with any of your ideas for this important effort.
Toomas M. Sorra, MD
Update from Concerned Physicians - 2/13/2013
There is a lot going on regarding LICH in recent weeks, and we will therefore attempt to provide daily updates of developments in this corner of the website.The first meeting of the joint "Coalition to Save LICH" took place last night, attended by representatives of the LICH Concerned Physicians, RN's/NYSNA,1199, and local elected officials. The meeting was very productive, with ideas exchanged about the best ways to move forward with our common goal. We will provide updates regarding specific issues as they take place.
There was a "rumor" today that the NY State Department of Health had decided to stop the closure of LICH because they will start an investigation regarding events surrounding it. Thus far, this is unsubstantiated, despite apparent NY1 TV coverage to this effect, In any case, this may simply be a small "bump in the road" and we still need to do all that we can.
Tomorrow - Thursday 2/14/2013 there is a community meeting at Kane Street Synagogue at 6PM, with information on our homepage - we hope all will attend.
Update from Concerned Physicians - 2/13/2013
There is a lot going on regarding LICH in recent weeks, and we will therefore attempt to provide daily updates of developments in this corner of the website.The first meeting of the joint "Coalition to Save LICH" took place last night, attended by representatives of the LICH Concerned Physicians, RN's/NYSNA,1199, and local elected officials. The meeting was very productive, with ideas exchanged about the best ways to move forward with our common goal. We will provide updates regarding specific issues as they take place.
There was a "rumor" today that the NY State Department of Health had decided to stop the closure of LICH because they will start an investigation regarding events surrounding it. Thus far, this is unsubstantiated, despite apparent NY1 TV coverage to this effect, In any case, this may simply be a small "bump in the road" and we still need to do all that we can.
Tomorrow - Thursday 2/14/2013 there is a community meeting at Kane Street Synagogue at 6PM, with information on our homepage - we hope all will attend.
lINKS
Blogs
- Brooklyn Heights Blog
NY Post: SUNY Disses Two Groups Interested In Buying LICH
- Cobble Hill Association
SEVEN KEY POINTS: LICH AND SUNY FACTS - Friends of Sunset Park
- Brownstoner: Delay in LICH Closure Will Harm Patients
- Brooklyn Heights Blog: LICH Community Forum This Evening
- Noticing New York- One-Stop Petition Shopping: Report On The Brooklyn Heights Association Annual Meeting, LICH and Libraries
- United NY.org- Save LICH Because LICH Saves Lives!
- Brooklyn Heights Blog - Markowitz on LICH Closing: “A Serious Mistake”
- GOWANUS LOUNGE - LICH Selling Off Huge Amount of Cobble Hill Property
- NY Times Blog - A Hospital's Unsettling State of Limbo - 11/21/08
- LICH WATCH
- Concerned Physicians of LICH Ask For Donations To Continue Fight
- SUNY Downstate Eats Its Words: Signs on LICH Entrances
- Judge Baynes To SUNY: Restore Services At LICH, Ditch The Goons
- Semi-Homemade Solution: Is Cuomo Looking For Peace With Honor In #SaveLICH Drama?
- How Can SUNY Downstate Design a Brooklyn Healthcare Network When They Can't Run LICH?
- LICH Activists Make Merry at Atlantic Frantic Fundraiser
- LICH Professionals Testified at NY Senate Hearing in Albany June 4th to save LICH
- Brooklyn Heights Association
- SUNY Sustainability Plan: Cut Ties To LICH
- LICH Patients' Committee to Save Our Hospital
- Twitter @nynurses
- Twitter #LICH
- Keep Brooklyn Hospitals Open for Care (FB)
- Friends of Sunset Park
- Brownstoner
- Noticing New York- One-Stop Petition Shopping: Report On The Brooklyn Heights Association Annual Meeting, LICH and Libraries
- United NY.org- Save LICH Because LICH Saves Lives!
- GOWANUS LOUNGE - LICH Selling Off Huge Amount of Cobble Hill Property
- NY Times Blog - A Hospital's Unsettling State of Limbo - 11/21/08
- Pardon Me For Asking
Videos
LICH Advocates Meet With Potential Bidders
Date: March. 3, 2014
Link here
BELIEVE IN LICH
Date: Feb. 23, 2014
Link here
CLOSE HOSPITALS-PEOPLE DIE YOUNG
Date: Jan 31, 2014
Link here
"SUNY nixes plan to turn LICH into condos — for now
Date: December 18, 2013
Link here
"GOT TO BELIEVE SUNY ??? "
Date: November 18, 2013
Link here
"MISSION POSSIBLE NOT IMPOSSIBLE "
Date: November 10, 2013
Link here
"BOOK 'EM YOUR HONOR"
Date: November 8, 2013
Link here
Long Island College Hospital to resume admitting patients, ambulance service
Date: November 8, 2013
Link here
Jim Walden speaks at Cobble Hill Association Meeting
Date: October 28, 2013
Link here
SUNY, Staffco Postpone Layoffs Planned For Long Island College Hospital
Date: October 28, 2013
Link here
Saving LICH Hospital - Trudy Wassner
Date: August, 2013
Link here
NYC Mayoral Election | Bill de Blasio Interview )
Date: Sept. 9, 2013
Link here
De Blasio, Advocates Cheer Most Recent LICH Victory(NY1)
Date: Sept. 13, 2013
Link here
Nurses hold rally across from LICH
Date: Aug. 29, 2013
Link here
Brooklyn judge orders LICH ownership change, says Suny Downstate must return assets
Date: Aug. 21, 2013
Link here
SUNY Downstate Ordered To Partially Restore LICH Servicesf
Date: Aug. 17, 2013
Link here
Two LICH Patients Aggravated By Legal Wrangling Over Hospital's Future
Date: July 31, 2013
Link here
Murray Yanowitz Plaque Long Island College Hospital
Date: August 7, 2013
Link here
LICH OPEN FOR CARE 8
Date: August 7, 2013
Link here
De Blasio Rallies With Nurses & Brooklyn Officials to Save L.I.C.H
Date: August 5, 2013
Link here
Six More Community Groups Join Lawsuit To Keep LICH Open
Date: August 2, 2013
Link here
Health Care Workers, Lawmakers Rally To Keep Hospital Open Long Past Scheduled Closing Date
Date: July 28, 2013
Link here
EXCLUSIVE: NYPD searching for LICH patient, 81, who disappears hours after PIX11 reports his strange case
Date: July 25, 2013
Link here
‘This is an outrage:’ Elderly LICH patient still missing amid shock over hospital’s incompetence
Date: July 24, 2013
Link here
March, rally to protest Long Island College Hospital closing
Date: July 17, 2013
Link here
LICH OPEN FOR CARE 6
Date: July 17, 2013
Link here
ICU RNS ARRESTED WITH JEFF STRABONE, COUNCILMAN LEVIN & BILL DEBLASIO:
NO HOSPITALS....NO PEACE
Date: July 10, 2013
Link here
Bill de Blasio Rallies to Save LICH
Date: July 12, 2013
Link here
LICH OPEN FOR CARE 5
Date: July 11, 2013
Link here
De Blasio Calls On Governor, Mayor To Step Up On Possible Closure Of Brooklyn Hospital(News 12 Brooklyn)
Date: July 11, 2013
Link here
Protesters, Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio arrested at Long Island College Hospital Rally at SUNY Midtown office (News 12 Brooklyn)
Date: July 10, 2013
Link here
SAVE LICH= LONG ISLAND COLLEGE HOSPITAL
Date: July 9, 2013
Link here
Hundreds rally outside Cuomo office to save hospitals
Date: July 8, 2013
Link here
Demonstrators Rally By Cuomo's Midtown Office To Save Two Brooklyn Hospitals(NY1 News)
Date: July 8, 2013
Link here
LICH OPEN FOR CARE 4
Date: June 27, 2013
Link here
SUNY HANDS OFF LICH Mobile
Date: July 5, 2013
Link here
We Won't Be Shaken
Date: June 30, 2013
Link here
Long Island College Hospital doctors, nurses from flash mob to demand hospital stay open
Date: June 21, 2013
Link here
Judge orders Long Island College Hospital to keep up staffing
Date: June 20, 2013
Link here
Ambulances No Longer Going to LICH
Date: June 20, 2013
Link here
Employees and community outraged as LICH begins transferring patients out of hospital
Date: June 20, 2013
Link here
Protesters fight to keep LICH open
Date: June 23, 2013
Link here
LICH Empties Critical Care Units Over Alleged Staffing Shortage
Date: June 21, 2013
Link here
Long Island College Hospital (LICH) ending ambulance services
Date: June 20, 2013
Link here
Save LICH
Date: June 19, 2013
Link here
Long Island College Hospital ER stops receiving ambulances
Date: June 20, 2013
Link here
Long Island College Hospital’s future remains unclear
Date: June 19, 2013
Link here
Public Hearing: To discuss SUNY Downstate Hospital and Long Island College Hospital in regard to the sustainability plan required by the 2013-2014 state budget
Date: June 4, 2013
Link here
(For those who don't have an extra 5 hrs to spend watching the whole thing, video times are noted below to view the discussion of key points. Just slide the video cursor to those times:
SUNY is first questioned about LICH at 0:30:46Senator Kevin Parker questions Dr Williams at 1:22:43 Senator Parker questions SUNY Chair HC McCall about LICH at time 1:36:17
Senator Eric Adams grills Dr Williams & SUNY about LICH & Continuum at 1:40:42
NYS dept of Health testimony is at 2:13:08
Downstate's labor union officials present their joint proposal for an alternative to the sustainability plan at 2:49:06
Downstate's labor union officials discuss their proposal for future use of LICH & its real estate at 3:17:35
Downstate's physicians' union, UUP, testifies at 3:25:23 1199 SEIU testimony in support of LICH at 3:37:08
NYSNA nurse testimony in support of LICH at 3:47:38 )
LICH Two Minutes to Live commercial (YouTube)
Date: April 1, 2013
Link here
Highlights of NY State Senate Hearing
Date: June 4, 2013
Link here
Michelle Green interviewed by Independent Sources media on whats next for LICH
Date: June 1, 2013
Link here
SUNY Plans To Give Up Management Of LICH As Part Of Restructuring Plan
Date: May 28, 2013
Link here
Town Hall Meeting
Date: May 20, 2013
Link here
Reprieve for Long Island College Hospital in Cobble Hill
Date: April 26, 2013
Link here
Community meeting held at Long Island College Hospital
Date: May 2, 2013
Link here
Long live Long Island College Hospital; plans to close withdrawn
Date: April 28, 2013
Link here
LICH Open for Care 3 - YouTube
Date: April 27, 2013
Link here
Residents fight to save Long Island College Hospital from closure - YouTube
Date: April 13, 2013
Link here
LICH Open for Care 2 - YouTube
Date: April 13, 2013
Link here
Lich and Me (Channel 11 - WPIX)
Date: April 7, 2013
Link here
Long Island College Hospital could close
Date: April 10, 2013
Link here
Councilmember MATHIEU EUGENE Protests Closure of Long Island College Hospital
Date: April 9, 2013
Link here
Hundreds protest to keep Long Island College Hospital open
Date: April 9, 2013
Link here
Actor Michael Shannon Rallies to Save LICH (Long Island College Hospital)
Date: April 7, 2013
Link here
Rally Held To Save Long Island College Hospital
Date: Jan 25, 2013
Link here
Supporters Rally To Protect Long Island College Hospital From Closure
Date: April 7, 2013
Link here
Save LICH Rally
Date: January 25, 2013
Link here
SUNY Board of Trustees meeting
(LICH discussion begins at 39:37)
Date: March 19, 2013
Link here
Nurses Protest At Purchase As SUNY Closes Hospital
Date: March 19, 2013
Link here
SUNY Downstate To Vote Again On Closing Brooklyn's Long Island College Hospital
Date: March 18, 2013
Link here
LICH Open for Care
Date: March 12, 2013
Link here
Judge Temporarily Halts Closure Of Long Island College Hospital
Date: February 21, 2013
Link here
Temporary Restraining Order Halts Closure Of LICH, Union Says
Date: February 21, 2013
Link here
Nurses protest
Date: February 17, 2013
Link here
Tempers flare at community meeting over closure of Long Island College Hospital
Date: February 15, 2013
Link here
Rally to Save Interfaith and LICH outside Gov. Cuomo's Office
Date: Jan. 31, 2013
Link here
Cobble Hill residents rally to save local hospital
Date: January 25, 2013
Link here
SUNY Board of Trustees - Academic Medical Centers and Hospitals Committee
Date: Thursday, February 07, 2013
Link here
Special SUNY Board of Trustees meeting
Date: Thursday, February 07, 2013
Link here
Special SUNY Board of Trustees meeting
Date: Friday, February 08, 2013
Link here
Channel 11 - WPIX
Date: April 7, 2013
Link here
Long Island College Hospital could close
Date: April 10, 2013
Link here
Councilmember MATHIEU EUGENE Protests Closure of Long Island College Hospital
Date: April 9, 2013
Link here
Hundreds protest to keep Long Island College Hospital open
Date: April 9, 2013
Link here
Actor Michael Shannon Rallies to Save LICH (Long Island College Hospital)
Date: April 7, 2013
Link here
Rally Held To Save Long Island College Hospital
Date: Jan 25, 2013
Link here
Supporters Rally To Protect Long Island College Hospital From Closure
Date: April 7, 2013
Link here
Save LICH Rally
Date: January 25, 2013
Link here
SUNY Board of Trustees meeting
(LICH discussion begins at 39:37)
Date: March 19, 2013
Link here
Nurses Protest At Purchase As SUNY Closes Hospital
Date: March 19, 2013
Link here
SUNY Downstate To Vote Again On Closing Brooklyn's Long Island College Hospital
Date: March 18, 2013
Link here
LICH Open for Care
Date: March 12, 2013
Link here
Judge Temporarily Halts Closure Of Long Island College Hospital
Date: February 21, 2013
Link here
Temporary Restraining Order Halts Closure Of LICH, Union Says
Date: February 21, 2013
Link here
Nurses protest
Date: February 17, 2013
Link here
Tempers flare at community meeting over closure of Long Island College Hospital
Date: February 15, 2013
Link here
Rally to Save Interfaith and LICH outside Gov. Cuomo's Office
Date: Jan. 31, 2013
Link here
Cobble Hill residents rally to save local hospital
Date: January 25, 2013
Link here
SUNY Board of Trustees - Academic Medical Centers and Hospitals Committee
Date: Thursday, February 07, 2013
Link here
Special SUNY Board of Trustees meeting
Date: Thursday, February 07, 2013
Link here
Special SUNY Board of Trustees meeting
Date: Friday, February 08, 2013
Link here