Meeting Monday Called By Mt Vernon Hospital Supporters

MOUNT VERNON, NY – Opponents of Montefiore Health System's plan to open a state-of-the-art emergency department and walk-in care facility and close Mount Vernon Hospital will host a town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday. One of their concerns is jobs.

The organizers said that elected officials, community leaders, registered nurses and healthcare workers will attend.

Montefiore Health System wants to close the only hospital in Mount Vernon, which runs at a financial loss. Instead MHS would build a new $41 million health care complex on Sandford Boulevard, funded by a grant from New York State. The 40,000-square-foot location would include a state-of-the art "Hospital-Based Off-Campus Emergency Department" and comprehensive ambulatory care center, hospital officials said in a statement. Inpatient care and surgical services will go to nearby Montefiore locations such as New Rochelle, officials said.

Patients who come to the Sandford Boulevard Emergency Room who require hospitalization will be transferred by an on-site ambulance to the most appropriate hospital for their condition—with the Sandford Boulevard site offering direct admission to Montefiore New Rochelle. In non-emergency situations, patients will be able to select the nearby hospital of their choice, officials said.

Mount Vernon is a designated medically underserved area and was recently withdrawn from Health Professional Shortage Area status. Opponents of the new emergency department/outpatient center say the city could risk returning to that status if the loss of inpatient beds pushes affiliated clinical professionals out of the area.

MHS's plans, announced in October, became a big issue in the mayoral election in Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon Hospital received two out of five stars for patient experience from US News and World Report's recent hospital rankings.

WHAT: Town hall meeting against closure of Mount Vernon Hospital

WHO: Elected officials, community leaders, registered nurses, healthcare workers, members of the public

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6

WHERE: Graham Elementary School, 421 E 5th St., Mount Vernon, New York 10553

ALSO SEE:

• Closing Mount Vernon Hospital Becomes Election Issue
• Montefiore To Close Mount Vernon Hospital, Open New ED