Author: Spectrum News
The most recent rally in front of Brooks-TLC Hospital in Dunkirk is a familiar rally cry sweeping across the state and nation.Union workers in Northern Chautauqua County are making their voices heard, calling for a new hospital.The facility is set to be paid for, in part, with a grant from the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program.Roughly $71 million was allocated in 2017, which has yet to be released by the state health department under the direction of Gov.Kathy Hochul.What You Need To KnowIn 2017, million were allocated for a new hospital in Northern Chautauqua CountyNow 2023, the grant funds have yet to be releasedUnion leaders and the current hospital administration want to know why"Lives, time, matters.It's just an old outdated facility.We just aren't getting any answers and so that had been the biggest frustration. Just tell us why the money has not been released," said Cheryl Marino, administrative organizer, SEIU1199.When we asked, a spokesman for the governor would only say state health leaders continue to work with project stakeholders, adding, "Gov.Hochul is committed to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to essential health services where and when they need it most."Like in Oneida County where the Mohawk Valley Health system opened its new hospital after the state reinstated millions in transformational funding, it initially took away a few years prior.Niagara County also just built a new hospital, in part, with state transformational funds.Those still waiting for their money closed on the new property in June with help from the state, and are in regular contact with the health department."So that is an indication of progress.There still seem to be some questions around programming and the need for inpatient care.And that's our priority to make sure we match the need with the community," said Ken Morris, president and CEO of Brooks-TLC Hospital.Another reason why? Leaders say the current facility is outdated and lacks adequate space."We often find ourselves having to take care of leaks, and do [other] things, [like] relocate patients when it might not be necessary based on the age of the building," said Morris.Union leaders now finding themselves planning their next steps."We will continue to escalate this until these funds are released.And the hospitals built.Shovels in the ground," said Marino.Union leaders have also created an online petition to gather support for the new hospital in Northern Chautauqua County.As for this year's funding, millions went to hospital systems in the Capital Region, Central and Western New York, as well as the Finger Lakes and Long Island.
