Senator Jim Wright

November 19, 2007

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR JIM WRIGHT

Senator Wright Supports Oswego Health/A.L. Lee joint venture

State Senator Jim Wright today rendered his support for a proposed joint venture between Oswego Health and A.L. Lee Hospital.

“I have always supported A.L. Lee Memorial and its commitment to the people of Fulton. I have disagreed with the conclusions of the Berger Commission and the proposed closure of the hospital as an inpatient facility. However, while working with the hospital to date, we have been unsuccessful in reversing the Berger Commission’s decision.

“The most recent determination was issued by the state Department of Health (DOH) on November 1^st, which stated, ‘After comprehensive review, we determined the closing of A.L. Lee Memorial would not unduly threaten patient safety.’ Accordingly, DOH requested the hospital resubmit a closure plan to the Department no later than November 30, 2007.

“While I still disagree with the Commission’s conclusions, it is also apparent to me that neither the Governor, the Health Department, nor the State Legislature is going to change the requirements of the Berger Commission.

“I have been in contact with Chairpersons of both Oswego Health and the A.L. Lee Memorial Board of Directors on a regular basis and have offered my support for a joint venture between the two institutions. Moreover, I have encouraged the parties to submit a closure plan, which would reflect A.L. Lee Memorial joining Oswego Health in a joint venture that would meet the health care needs of Oswego County residents.

“DOH points out the Berger Commission was to identify excess hospital beds and recommend a shift to a community based system instead of emergency rooms. The Commission also sought to eliminate duplication of services as hospitals compete with each other for patients. Unfortunately, these criteria work against A.L. Lee Memorial.

“The days of every municipality having its own hospital or multiple hospitals are over. Given the realities and pressures of growing health care costs, it is critical that competition be eliminated, and regional solutions pursued for the best interests of all parties. It is no longer about the Oswego hospital or the Fulton hospital—it is now about Oswego County health care. As a countywide representative, it is my responsibility to foster a solution which benefits all the people of Oswego County.

“I have reached the conclusion that those interests are best served by a joint venture, lead by Oswego Health. My continued discussions with DOH representatives in the Commissioner’s office have lead me to believe this approach would be acceptable to the Health Department.

“Essentially, the entity known as A.L. Lee Memorial would close in compliance with requirements of the Berger Commission. In its place, the greater Fulton area would be served by a new entity, which would be an extension of Oswego Health, located in Fulton, utilizing existing personnel and ensuring the health care needs of the entire region are served.

“I am further convinced a substantial allocation of state funding assistance will be available to the new joint venture to facilitate this transition.

“In working toward this objective, I have encouraged both Board Presidents and their members to put aside the past, its old perceptions and perspectives and to continue to negotiate with a new vision of regional health services in a community based setting of cooperation—not competition.”

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