After months of negotiations with the state Department of Health, Sen. Jeff Klein announced Friday that the Westchester Square Medical Center will remain open and merge with New York Presbyterian.In 2006, the Berger Commission recommended that nine hospitals, including Westchester Square, be closed in an effort to save state money. The report was met with protests from local organizations and politicians.Klein and other local elected officials urged members of the Berger Commission to keep Westchester Square open citing possible public health and economic ramifications. Officials suggested a merger to help cushion state costs. The plan for a merger was then approved by the state Department of Health.

The merger will prevent more than 600 members of the community from losing their jobs.