PORT CHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- New York United Hospital Medical Center (NYUHMC) today filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code in the Federal Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, NY. This action was decided upon by the NYUHMC Board of Trustees as predicated by continuing financial losses and decreased patient volumes in all service areas.
“Sadly and reluctantly, the Board of Trustees had to face the reality that the hospital was no longer financially viable,” says Pamela Kindler, NYUHMC Board of Trustees Chairman. “The hospital has been operating in the red for more than a decade, and the debt is no longer manageable. We are grateful for the outstanding medical, administrative and support staff, along with our volunteer network that has repeatedly demonstrated their professionalism, hard work and dedication to this institution.”
The bankruptcy filing is an effort to allow the institution to close programs in an orderly fashion within a 90- to 120-day time period, and is subject to the approval of the New York State Department of Health. Hospital officials noted that all elective admissions and procedures will cease as of December 24, 2004.
“We are working with local health care providers, our physicians and the New York Department of Health Officials to ensure an orderly transition of patients to other health care facilities during this anticipated closing period,” stated Philip Dionne, NYUHMC President and CEO. “The Board of Trustees has shown heroic efforts in trying to keep the hospital operational, but a number of issues, including the aging building, systems and equipment; decrease in reimbursements; decline in utilization and surgeries; funding of pension plan; and competition from other hospitals, has lead to the decision to close programs. Unfortunately, these issues are inherent to hospitals nationwide.”
In addition, the NYUHMC Board of Trustees has unanimously resolved to continue to work with the NY State Department of Health on the development and evaluation of a plan for a new health care facility in Port Chester. This new facility would be better sized and structured to meet the current and future needs of the community.
The plan for the hospital is three fold: to file for Chapter 11; close hospital programs in an orderly fashion; and evaluate a plan for the development of a future health care facility in the community.
The New York United Hospital Medical Center serves several Westchester County communities, including Port Chester, Purchase, Rye, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, and Rye Brook.
Contact: Cathy Callegari - 212-579-1370 or callpr@aol.com
New York United Hospital Medical Center
CONTACT: Cathy Callegari, for New York United Hospital Medical Center,+1-212-579-1370, or callpr@aol.com
