AGENCY TESTIMONY
Introduction and overview of NYC Health Department's role in hospital closures
0:19:25
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69 sec
Dr. Michelle Morse, Interim Health Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer of the NYC Health Department, introduces the hearing on the effects of hospital closures on community needs in New York City. She emphasizes the importance of hospitals as essential infrastructure and outlines the Health Department's mission to improve health equity.
- Highlights the significant risks and wide-ranging impacts of hospital closures on communities, patients, and the healthcare system
- Acknowledges her firsthand experience as a medical doctor in witnessing the impacts of hospital closures
- Introduces the Health Department's role in using data, community engagement, and technical assistance to ensure a more accountable and equitable healthcare system
Dr. Michelle Morse
0:19:25
Good morning, Chair Schulman, Chair and RC and members of the committee on hospitals and the committee on health.
0:19:32
I am Doctor.
0:19:33
Michelle Morse, Interim Health Commissioner at the New York City Health Department And Chief Medical Officer.
0:19:39
I'm joined here today by my colleague, Doctor Laura Avakoli, Chief Medical Officer of New York City Health And Hospitals, Elmhurst.
0:19:47
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on the effects of hospital closures on community needs in New York City.
0:19:55
The mission of the New York City Health Department is to improve and protect the health of all New Yorkers and to promote health equity.
0:20:03
As you are aware, hospitals are essential infrastructure and vital partners to the New York City Health Department.
0:20:10
I have witnessed the impacts of hospital closures firsthand as a medical doctor.
0:20:15
These closures pose significant risks and wide ranging impacts on communities, patients, healthcare workers, public health, social and economic stability, and the overall healthcare system, especially hospitals located in marginalized communities.
0:20:31
But before we address solutions, we have to identify the problems.
