Hospital leaders are responding to criticism after the state of New York announced plans to either drastically shrink or potentially close the University Hospital at Downstate in New York City's Brooklyn borough due to factors like low patient volumes, an operating deficit of around $100 million, and a deteriorating hospital building.
"Transforming Downstate is what will protect our employees in the long term given the state of disrepair and financial instability that our facility is currently facing," Valerie Grey, senior vice chancellor of health and hospitals at SUNY, said in a statement shared with Becker's.
As New York City's only public academic medical center, SUNY Downstate, part of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, has been directed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to develop a transformational plan to secure its future and avoid closure.
The plan includes the transfer of Downstate inpatient care to other Brooklyn hospitals and could also result in workforce reductions.
"This is a radical plan for the hospital that will undoubtedly harm the health of the Central Brooklyn community," Frederick Kowal, PhD, president of United University Professions, said in a Jan. 19 news release shared with Becker's. "It is unthinkable that it has not been subject to a full public hearing that would give stakeholders an opportunity to have their say about the future of this vital institution."
UUP, a higher education union, represents over 2,300 SUNY Downstate workers.
Calling the plan "disturbing," Dr. Kowal asked Downstate to think of an alternative option.
"Instead of closing Downstate, let's reimagine it as a viable, vital health care center that serves the unique needs of Brooklyn and New York City. There is another path forward, and UUP stands ready to work with the governor and the state Legislature to find a viable solution to this long standing problem," he said.
Ms. Grey said Downstate's new plan will continue to focus on its mission of serving the community and supporting its workforce.
"We will put forward a blueprint that strengthens our partnerships with neighboring hospitals in a way that preserves the vast majority of existing jobs while implementing programming to help the small number of those impacted find comparable roles amid a healthcare worker shortage affecting all of New York's medical institutions," she said.