Plans to shut down SUNY Downstate Hospital move forward with governor's support
According to hospital administrators, Gov. Hochul pledged her support for a so-called ’transformation’.
More Stories
East Flatbush could soon lose one of its longest-running hospitals.
The University Hospital at SUNY Downstate is planning to shut its doors after facing compounding challenges in recent years, including longstanding financial struggles and a crumbling building.
Sources at SUNY Downstate told News 12 that it would cost up to $4 billion to make the necessary repairs or build a new facility. They also say that the hospital has an ongoing operating deficit of $100 million per year on average.
According to hospital administrators, Gov. Hochul pledged her support for a so-called ’transformation’.
So far, the preliminary plan includes relocating patients and staff to nearby hospitals, including to NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County across the street. The money saved would be used to strengthen the medical school and eventually to expand its urgent care services.
While the hospital says they’ll try to limit staffing cuts, United University Professions Union, which represents close to 2,300 employees at SUNY Downstate, could lose 10-20% of its staff in the new plan.
The hospital hopes to have a more detailed plan by the end of March and says they also want to hear from the community about the changes. For updates on the project, visit their website.
