Mount Sinai Beth Israel, a healthcare facility that has been serving the community for over 100 years, has recently announced that it will be closing down. This news has left many concerned about the healthcare options available in Lower Manhattan. According to Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, the area is running out of healthcare options, and the closure of this facility will only exacerbate the situation.
According to Epstein, there is a scarcity of healthcare services in the area. Though one can find more options up north, Bellevue is already overpopulated. While it is an excellent public hospital, people who rely on Medicaid and public benefits may find a better alternative in this option.
In 2008, when Dr. Sharon Mclennon-Wier required knee surgery, she found Beth Israel to be the perfect choice. As a blind individual, she needed a hospital that could provide her with the necessary care and attention. Beth Israel fulfilled her requirements and proved to be an excellent option for her surgery.
According to McLennon-Wier, having a doctor who was affiliated with the hospital made her familiar with its layout. She emphasized how vital it is for individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are visually impaired or blind, to have a clear navigational map in their minds.
According to McLennon-Wier, there are almost one million individuals in New York City who are currently living with a disability. She emphasizes that these individuals often rely on a consistent health care routine, and any disruptions to this routine can be incredibly challenging for them.
As per Epstein, the closure of hospitals has a significant impact on the population as it leads to an increase in transportation time and makes it challenging to access specialized doctors located far away from their destination. She highlighted that 20 hospitals have shut down in New York City in the last 25 years, and the resources are continuously decreasing. Beth Israel had initially declared its plans to close down the facility back in 2017, which it had to withdraw due to the COVID pandemic.
Epstein emphasized that closing down services and units such as the cardiac unit may lead to the closure of the entire facility, which would result in financial losses since running a building is costly. Instead, he suggests investing in the hospital by bringing back services and making it a fully operational facility. This approach would not only ensure the hospital’s sustainability but also provide the community with much-needed healthcare services.
According to a statement provided to News 12, Mount Sinai Beth Israel has suffered losses exceeding $1 billion in the past decade, despite significant investments and upgrades. While the Mount Sinai Health System has made efforts to support the facility, losses have continued to mount. In fact, the hospital is projected to lose an additional $150 million this year, necessitating immediate action to ensure that it can continue to offer vital healthcare services to the broader New York City community.
According to recent reports, the company has expressed its intention to remain in the downtown area. However, there have not been any official announcements regarding specific plans as of yet.
According to McLennon-Wier, the impact of the closure will not be limited to people with disabilities.
Over the past six to seven years, there has been a significant trend towards consolidation in the healthcare industry. Many hospitals are shutting down, and doctors are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their private practices. As a result, many doctors are joining hospitals to stay afloat. However, this consolidation has led to a potential healthcare monopoly, meaning patients may not have the same level of choice or options when it comes to their healthcare provider. The closure of many healthcare facilities has only exacerbated this issue.
According to Assembly Member Epstein, it is important to hear the public’s concerns regarding the hospital closure. He encourages those who are against the decision to reach out to Mount Sinai directly or contact his office at 212-979-9696.
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