A state advisory board is recommending a $1 billion investment in New York City-based SUNY Downstate Hospital that includes building an ASC, Gothamist reported June 6.
The proposal would keep the hospital open, reversing earlier suggestions of closure.
In addition to the ASC, the plan calls for retaining all current inpatient and outpatient services, reducing the number of beds from 342 to 225, and converting all rooms into private suites with showers. It also includes expanding the emergency department to 45 stations and constructing a new hospital annex.
Gov. Kathy Hochul established the nine-member advisory board to assess the hospital’s future after her initial proposal, which suggested replacing the facility with an outpatient clinic, faced significant community backlash.
While Ms. Hochul is still reviewing the recommendation, SUNY Chancellor John King Jr. expressed optimism, and he anticipates the plan will move forward, according to Gothamist.
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