Lakeside Memorial Hospital CEO "Cautiously Optimistic" on Saving E.D.
By: Ali Touhey
Updated: February 28, 2013
Brockport, NY--It's no exaggeration to say the College at Brockport is right around the corner from Lakeside Memorial Hospital.
"It's about a mile and a half," explained college health services director, Libby Caruso. "So, it's very simple to transport students when you're that close."
It's so close, in fact, faculty or staff will often give students a ride. She estimates that anywhere from 10 to 15 students a week are sent to the Lakeside emergency department.
So, when word spread several weeks ago that the E.D. was closing, questions arose on campus about the future of emergency care.
"The concern is: how do we actually transport them? How do we communicate? How do we give good follow up care?"
According to a Lakeside spokeswoman, they are in deep discussions with the state about a proposal that would save the E.D. after all.
News 8 has obtained an internal memo from interim Lakeside CEO Jim Cummings that went out to all employees earlier this week. It reads in part:
"I want to inform you of new developments in our transformation plan that have evolved from recent discussions with New York State. Based on these discussions, we will be seeking approval from the State to finalize reorganization plans that include retention of our emergency department. We are cautiously optimistic about this proposal that will be submitted this week."
It's welcomed news for Brockport Ambulance Chief Lucas VanDervort who was bracing for the worst.
He says if Lakeside closes Rochester based Parkridge Hospital is their next option about 20 minutes away.
"We're looking at the better part of two to three hours to take a patient to the city and get back in service for the next call."
Vandervort said they're still looking into hiring staff to cover the additional travel time if the E.D. actually closes.
Although, much like the memo, he too is cautiously optimistic that won't be necessary.
"We're hoping that things work out and we're hoping that Lakeside can stay here and continue to provide to the community that they have been for so many years." "If this solution works, it's as good of a solution we could expect," added Caruso. "It's big for us."
Three meetings that are open to the public have been scheduled.
February 28th: Sweden Senior Center, Brockport from 6:30-8p.
March 4th: Ogden Farmer's Library, Spencerport from 6:30-8p.
March 5th: Hoag Library, Albion from 6:30-8p.
If you are unable to attend the meetings, but would like to submit a comment or question, email hereforyou@lakesidehealth.org or call (585) 395-6092.
To visit the hospital website, click here.
"It's about a mile and a half," explained college health services director, Libby Caruso. "So, it's very simple to transport students when you're that close."
It's so close, in fact, faculty or staff will often give students a ride. She estimates that anywhere from 10 to 15 students a week are sent to the Lakeside emergency department.
So, when word spread several weeks ago that the E.D. was closing, questions arose on campus about the future of emergency care.
"The concern is: how do we actually transport them? How do we communicate? How do we give good follow up care?"
According to a Lakeside spokeswoman, they are in deep discussions with the state about a proposal that would save the E.D. after all.
News 8 has obtained an internal memo from interim Lakeside CEO Jim Cummings that went out to all employees earlier this week. It reads in part:
"I want to inform you of new developments in our transformation plan that have evolved from recent discussions with New York State. Based on these discussions, we will be seeking approval from the State to finalize reorganization plans that include retention of our emergency department. We are cautiously optimistic about this proposal that will be submitted this week."
It's welcomed news for Brockport Ambulance Chief Lucas VanDervort who was bracing for the worst.
He says if Lakeside closes Rochester based Parkridge Hospital is their next option about 20 minutes away.
"We're looking at the better part of two to three hours to take a patient to the city and get back in service for the next call."
Vandervort said they're still looking into hiring staff to cover the additional travel time if the E.D. actually closes.
Although, much like the memo, he too is cautiously optimistic that won't be necessary.
"We're hoping that things work out and we're hoping that Lakeside can stay here and continue to provide to the community that they have been for so many years." "If this solution works, it's as good of a solution we could expect," added Caruso. "It's big for us."
Three meetings that are open to the public have been scheduled.
February 28th: Sweden Senior Center, Brockport from 6:30-8p.
March 4th: Ogden Farmer's Library, Spencerport from 6:30-8p.
March 5th: Hoag Library, Albion from 6:30-8p.
If you are unable to attend the meetings, but would like to submit a comment or question, email hereforyou@lakesidehealth.org or call (585) 395-6092.
To visit the hospital website, click here.
