Q&A
Health equity impact of hospital closures and department awareness
0:38:35
·
108 sec
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse raises concerns about the health equity impact of hospital closures, particularly in the context of a state hospital closing near a city hospital. Dr. Michelle Morse explains the city health department's role and awareness in these situations.
- The New York City health department is not consulted in plans or decisions around hospital closures
- The department becomes aware of potential closures when they become public
- Health Equity Impact Assessments are not required for hospital closures, although they are used for other changes in hospital services
Mercedes Narcisse
0:38:35
This it is there is a health, air treaty impact right now.
0:38:41
Because you're talking about the closure of a hospital, which is the state hospital right across the street from a city hospital more likely.
0:38:50
Right?
0:38:50
So if the conversation has been that County, which is the city hospital.
0:39:00
Right?
0:39:00
Gonna be taking over those folks.
0:39:04
Right?
0:39:05
You in a early phase.
0:39:07
Let me step back.
0:39:09
When you're aware, when does the Department of Health aware that Downstate was about to close?
0:39:16
Is that the beginning or when he became public?
Dr. Michelle Morse
0:39:20
The New York City health department is not consult it in the plans or decisions around hospital closures.
0:39:27
It really is a state health department decision.
0:39:30
So we became aware of the potential closure when it became public.
0:39:36
And then just to clarify, there is this certificate of need process that is overseen by the Fitbit Committee in the New York State Health Department, and that process does ask for a health equity impact assessment for changes in hospital services, additions, or closures.
0:39:58
It, however, the health equity impact assessment process does not apply to hospital closures.
0:40:06
And again, that process is run by the state health department.
0:40:10
Sometimes the New York City health department is asked to weigh in on a health equity impact assessment.
0:40:17
But again, that is not those are not used for hospital closures.
