Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing to get $400 million approved for a plan to “transform” SUNY Downstate’s University Hospital in Brooklyn. Hospital leaders plan to close their current facility in Flatbush, move all inpatient services to other hospitals in the borough and construct a new outpatient clinic.
Lawmakers will have to decide on that funding by April 1, when they vote on a state budget. But there’s still no plan in place for other hospitals to take on the roughly 150 patients SUNY Downstate sees daily, or the nearly 350 it could serve at maximum capacity. Space at nearby Kings County Hospital is already limited, according to city hospital officials, who say there’s “no possibility” of Kings taking on Downstate’s load right now.
“To me what has been the most egregious factor is the notion that problems that have built up over decades are now being expected to be rectified within a matter of weeks,” said state Sen. Zellnor Myrie. “It’s disrespectful to the community. It’s disrespectful to those of us who have been sent here to represent the community.”
While SUNY Chancellor John King Jr. has described the closure as a “transformation,” some state lawmakers and advocates are skeptical about funneling money into a plan that could ultimately reduce the area’s services.
King first announced the plan in January. He says the changes are needed because of a massive financial deficit, a declining patient census and a building in disrepair. But the plan’s critics say SUNY must do more community outreach and provide concrete details on how its proposal will affect patient care.
SUNY Downstate launched an online survey and began meetings with local stakeholders this month, and plans to release its findings in mid-March.
Members of United University Professions, a union representing Downstate employees, will protest the changes alongside clergy and elected officials outside the Brooklyn hospital on Thursday.
Hochul detailed the funding request in…
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