November 24, 2014
HORNELL N.Y. – The Hornell Common Council met Monday night and adopted a resolution in support of St. James Mercy Hospital.
Mayor Shawn Hogan told attendees at the meeting that the corporation that owns the hospital, Catholic Health East, was looking to dump the hospital because it was not making enough money to sustain itself. Hogan then informed the council that the Health department has been involved in order to protect the healthcare of local residents rather than to assist in shutting the hospital down.
Mayor Hogan went on to say that Catholic Health East made no effort to manage the hospital or do anything other than keep the status quo, as the hospital continued to operate while running in the red failing to meet their financial obligations. Hogan believes that the hospital can achieve sustainability while operating as an outpatient facility with 10-15 beds, including a maternity ward, a 24-7 ER including some diagnostic services.
Mayor Hogan advises residents to sign petitions, and participate in the democracy of this issue including attending the town hall meeting that will be at the Main Place on December 4th, 2014.
