The struggle to save LICH (Long Island College Hospital) in Brooklyn, which was about to close, continues as developers make bids to take it over. In compliance with community and union demand, bids that would preserve LICH as a full-service hospital have been given added weight. Four of the nine bids met that requirement, and one of them, Brooklyn Health Partners (BHP), was chosen but negotiations have soured. Bids from other developers are now being entertained, however, SUNY is obligated to work with BHP.
Unions are cautiously optimistic. The Daily News quotes New York State Nurses Association executive director Jill Furillo as saying, “Our work is not done. We must ensure that…Long Island College Hospital does not close for any period of time.” Furillo also emphasized the need for the future developer to treat “LICH employees and their collective bargaining representatives with respect.”
A final takeover deal still has to be negotiated and it is expected to close by May 22. SUNY will be free to relinquish its hold on LICH by the end of May.
