Seems LICH is Really on its Way Out This Time
The writing’s been on the wall for a long time, but now there’s no confusing the message: Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn Heights Cobble Hill is almost certainly closing, according to The New York Times. The paper reports that the hospital is likely to begin closing next month “after a decision by the Cuomo…
The writing’s been on the wall for a long time, but now there’s no confusing the message: Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn Heights Cobble Hill is almost certainly closing, according to The New York Times. The paper reports that the hospital is likely to begin closing next month “after a decision by the Cuomo administration to delay grants to help finance a merger intended to rescue the institution.” LICH was supposed to get $22 million in state grants, and if the money doesn’t come through, Stanley Brezenoff, president of Continuum Health Partners—which owns the facility—says the hospital “would run out of cash by mid-March. At that point, he said, he would be forced to begin bankruptcy proceedings and move forward with closing the hospital and laying off its 2,500 employees. Without the state money, Mr. Brezenoff said, Continuum could not complete moving the hospital under the SUNY umbrella. Mr. Brezenoff said that he was already putting together a draft closing plan and preparing to send out termination notices. He said that because the conversation with the state was so recent, he had not yet warned the employees that the merger might be called off.” Update: Thanks to the border patrol who helpfully pointed out that this is in Cobble Hill, goddammit, not Brooklyn Heights!
Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn May Close [NY Times]
No one has answered the question of where people go when hospitals close down. Obviously, they end up in other hospitals, usually ones that have equally bad reputations that will only get worse when the hoardes of people who would have gone to LICH come there for medical care. Specifically, I would think, Brooklyn Hospital.
I’ve been to Bklyn Hosp’s ER, and it’s like every other ER in NYC that I’ve been to – a zoo. But the facility is relatively new, and a lot of money has been poured into the entire complex, new wings, new equipment,etc. The quality of medical care in an urban environment is in general, awful, and I think much of that can be blamed on understaffing, cost cutting, and a depersonalization of medical care that comes from eliminating the human element in it all. And that’s on both sides of the hospital bed.
I don’t want to get into a political argument here, but as long as the only medical care people receive is in the ER, because it is the place of last resort, then we will be in this mess. If you are uninsured and can’t afford to have a regular doctor that you see when you are NOT at death’s door, then our hospitals will continually be crowded.
And rob, you are so full of crap. As per usual, you have no idea what you are talking about.
Both of my children were born at LICH without complication so I have happy memories of the place. But no experience with it otherwise. seems like the area needs a medical facility though, seems crazy it can just shut down without being replaced.
Pillipino nurses are the best. The most with-it and the kindest.
I definitely have seen that over and over visiting people in various hospitals, mostly outside the city. In my opinion the two best hospitals I have been to are both in NJ. Englewood Medical Center and Holy Name Hospital.
“But the nurses I know are hard-working, dedicated, kind and committed, and relatively low paid, ”
Nurses in California typically start at $85K (before overtime, which is guaranteed), even at managed care facilities like Kaiser. They work very hard and are often the first and only point of contact when dealing with Kaiser. These nurses are well trained and among the most experienced you’ll find anywhere. Maybe because so many of them are recruited from SEA, primarily the Philippines.
I’ve had mixed experiences at LICH. CCU very good (years ago). Other/regular parts, not so hot. I hear that Pediatric ER is very good.
My impression is that NYU MC is very good. And based on the fact that a good number of people I know, who live in CH area, go there. I’d say it could be a good thing.
But I thought Beth Israel/Continuum would be good too, so don’t listen to me!
Very sad. Not the best care facility (based off two ER trips in 12 years), but it is discomforting nonetheless.
*Rob*
You’re a jerk.
why would NYU medical center become involved? LICH was supposed to merge with Kings County Hospital -another notorious place but evidently on the upswing.
I have to say I have always been treated well at LICH. I like having a little hospital like that nearby.
I restate my earlier wish that NYU Medical Center buys it.
soooo – how bout that hospital?