COBBLE HILL — Long Island College Hospital supporters are not only demanding that their hospital remain open, but also that the community stay closely involved in the process, according to reports.
While SUNY Downstate, who owns the hospital, announced their intention “to seek a provider of healthcare services within the LICH community, including potentially a hospital operator," in a press release last month, advocates and elected officials want to ensure LICH will remain a fully functioning hospital and not be sold as real estate, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reports.
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Mayoral candidate and former Councilman Sal Albanese and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio spoke at the press conference, Monday, voicing their support for keeping the community informed of future plans for LICH.
Last week, SUNY Downstate issued a Request for Information in their search for a new operator for the hospital.
“Any expression of interest must include operation of a health care facility or health services at or near the LICH campus, consistent with the health care needs of the community,” according to the RFI.
SUNY's "Sustainability Plan," to be developed by June 1, will outline a way through which Downstate can reach financial viability while providing education, research and clinical care services. The plan must be approved by the New York State Department of Health and the New York Office of Budget before it can be implemented on June 15.
