LICH Operator: Stoppage Of Services Due To ‘Shortage Of Medical Specialists’

The operator of Long Island College Hospital says that a sudden decision to stop admissions and ambulance services Wednesday night was due to a “shortage of medical specialists.”

A spokesperson for SUNY, which operates the hospital, says that the hospital is aiming for “the safe and rapid resumption of BLS ambulances tomorrow.”

The spokesperson says that the measures were taken in conjunction with the New York City Fire Department “to ensure that Long Island College Hospital did not receive patients beyond its capabilities.”

“The day-to-day situation at LICH remains fluid and will continue to be until there is clear resolution of the many complicated issues involving the future of the facility,” the spokesperson said. “SUNY is making every possible effort to safely maintain current levels of service until such an agreement can be reached.”

SUNY Downstate had banned ambulances from delivering patients in June, but started again in September.

“I walked into the ER and asked can I be admitted and they said, ‘No. You can be seen but not admitted.’ I asked when that decision was made and they said a few hours ago and then I left. Now, that’s in violation of court orders by Judge Baynes and Judge Demerast, calling for ambulances to be allowed, calling for patients to be admitted, calling for staffing levels to be maintained,” said one community advocate.

A SUNY spokesperson said that patients who require the most serious care are “urged to seek care at other facilities and will continue to be transferred in the interest of their safety and welfare.”

SUNY has long been trying to close LICH, claiming the hospital is losing millions of dollars.

But that effort has faced strong community and political opposition.

Residents in the area who use LICH say the constant disruptions are a burden.

“It happens all the time at this hospital,” said one Brooklyn resident.

“I don’t trust Brooklyn Hospital, and I don’t trust Woodhull Hospital. This is the hospital that I feel more comfortable going to,” said another Brooklyn resident.

A judge put closure plans on hold in June when he ruled state laws surrounding hospital closures were unconstitutional.

NEWS – NY1

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