May 11, 2015
HORNELL, NY – A source tells WLEA News that the application for a grant has been denied. The grant was made by Saint James Hospital, for future plans with the Oak Orchard Medical Group in the Hornell area. Correction: The application for the grant was made by Oak Orchard Medical Group, not St. James.
Oak Orchard Medical Group was going to set up numerous medical offices in the Hornell area, as a part of the hospital’s new vision. St. James had been counting on Oak Orchard Medical Group for some outpatient primary care services, and it was made public by St. James CEO Jennifer Sullivan that Oak Orchard was going to be a large part of the hospital’s plans for the future.
However, that same source who said that the grant was denied, that source also says that St. James is regrouping with Oak Orchard so that they can move forward with them as a partner.
Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan, who was on the board of directors for St. James for many years, has now returned to being a member of the board of directors for the Hornell hospital. Hogan, who has just gotten back recently on the hospital board, said on this morning’s WLEA Newsmaker show that he will “fight if promises are broken.” The mayor was adamant about his role on the board of directors, saying he was going to be very vocal. “As a new board member, I”m going to make damn sure (excuse my french) that the service level in Hornell is equal to or better than any other institution in this region.”
We emailed St. James about this in the 2pm hour on Monday afternoon, but have not heard back from them as of this posting. As soon as we get a statement from them, we will post it online and read it on the radio.
