Testimony Claims Hospital Closings Won't Save Money

New York, NY —

Community advocates, elected officials and healthcare workers told state Assembly members today that closing hospitals will not save money and will harm various neighborhoods throughout the city. The session was one of several held across the state by the Assembly Health Committee, following a proposal to overhaul the hospital system.

REPORTER: Queens Borough President Helen Marshall said the proposals did not take into account population growth in Queens – and the trips many people have to take to get to hospitals in Manhattan.

MARSHALL: Some Manhattan hospitals use the more than 100k residents of western Queens…for establishing new services or expanding existing ones.

REPORTER: Other speakers said the proposed closures did not offer enough alternatives and could lead to longer waits at existing hospitals. Only opponents spoke at the session in Manhattan. Health Committee Chairman Richard Gottfried said all were invited to testify, but no supporters chose to attend.