Lakewood (Ohio) Hospital ceased inpatient services in February, but more than 50 percent of the ambulance runs in the area end up at the hospital's emergency department, which has remained open since the facility closed its inpatient beds, according to a Cleveland.com report.
Lakewood Mayor Michael Summer and Lakewood Fire Chief Scott Gilman shared that information at a news conference Tuesday. They called the conference to drown rumors that the hospital's ED closed when it ceased inpatient services.
"I am deeply disturbed by the allegations and untruths being spread by people in our community who are politically motivated and are trying to scare others by attacking our emergency services here [in] Lakewood," Mr. Summers said, according to the report.
Cleveland Clinic announced plans to close the hospital last January, and, after 11 months of debate, the system reached an agreement with the Lakewood Hospital Association in December. Under the agreement, Cleveland Clinic will construct a family health center, which will include outpatient-based programs, an emergency department, wellness services and outreach services.
Lakewood Hospital's existing ED will remain open until the family health center is completed.
Some residents have vehemently opposed the hospital closure, and it's still possible the agreement the city reached with Cleveland Clinic will be tossed out. Lakewood voters will be asked on their November ballots whether the agreement should be affirmed.
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