New York City Council
Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections
Oct 30, 2024
·
01:00 PM
47 min
Summary
A hearing on nominations for the NYC Health + Hospitals Board of Directors, considering Michael Espiritu and Vanessa Rodriguez.
Discussions focused on:
- Addressing health disparities
- Improving maternal health outcomes
- Expanding services in outer boroughs
- Enhancing communication between board members and city council representatives
The nominees were questioned about their qualifications, plans to address public health challenges, and strategies for advocating for public hospitals.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Keith Powers introduces committee meeting and explains NYC Health + Hospitals responsibilities
Council Member Keith Powers opens the meeting of the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Elections to consider the nominations of Michael Espiritu and Vanessa Rodriguez to the Board of Directors …
0:00:38
·
3 min
Council Member Christopher Marte nominates Dr. Michael Espiritu for NYC Health + Hospitals board
Council Member Christopher Marte introduces and nominates Dr. Michael Espiritu for a position on the NYC Health + Hospitals board. Marte highlights Dr. Espiritu's experience as a neonatologist at Bellevue …
0:04:36
·
39 sec
Vanessa Rodriguez's testimony for NYC Health + Hospitals Board of Directors candidacy
Vanessa Rodriguez presents her candidacy for the NYC Health + Hospitals Board of Directors, highlighting her 20+ years of experience in healthcare, focusing on HIV care, program development, and performance …
0:05:47
·
3 min
Michael Espiritu's opening statement as NYC Health and Hospitals Board of Directors candidate
Michael Espiritu, a candidate for the NYC Health and Hospitals Board of Directors, delivers his opening statement to the City Council. He expresses gratitude for the nomination and shares his …
0:09:25
·
152 sec
Introduction and conflict of interest waiver process for Dr. Espiritu
Council Member Keith Powers begins the questioning by addressing the conflict of interest waiver process for Dr. Espiritu, who is seeking to join the board of H+H while currently working …
0:11:58
·
63 sec
Addressing maternal and neonatal health disparities
Council Member Powers questions Dr. Espiritu about the disparities in maternal mortality rates between black and white mothers in New York City, and asks for his insights on addressing these …
0:13:02
·
151 sec
Expanding healthcare services to outer boroughs
Council Member Powers asks Dr. Espiritu about his observation that Manhattan is well-served by hospitals, potentially to the detriment of outer borough residents. Dr. Espiritu discusses strategies for expanding services …
0:15:33
·
72 sec
Dr. Espiritu's qualifications and experience for the H+H board
Council Member Powers inquires about Dr. Espiritu's qualifications and experience, particularly in light of his lack of prior board experience, to serve on the board of the largest public hospital …
0:16:46
·
100 sec
Conflict of interest waiver status for Ms. Rodriguez
Council Member Powers inquires about Ms. Rodriguez's conflict of interest waiver status for her current role and potential board position. Ms. Rodriguez provides an update on her waiver request process. …
0:18:28
·
36 sec
Ms. Rodriguez's qualifications and experience for the H+H board
Council Member Powers inquires about Ms. Rodriguez's qualifications and experience to serve on the board of the largest public hospital system in the country. Ms. Rodriguez discusses her background and …
0:19:04
·
127 sec
Addressing social determinants of health in NYC
Council Member Powers asks Ms. Rodriguez about how H+H can better address social determinants of health, especially those having negative consequences on mortality and nutrition. Ms. Rodriguez provides insights on …
0:21:14
·
132 sec
Biggest challenges facing NYC's public hospital system
Council Member Powers asks both candidates to identify what they believe is the largest challenge facing the public health system, particularly H+H. Both Dr. Espiritu and Ms. Rodriguez provide their …
0:23:26
·
146 sec
Discussion on capital needs and equipment funding for public hospitals
Council Member Salamanca raises concerns about the physical conditions and equipment needs of public hospitals, specifically mentioning Lincoln Hospital. He asks the nominees how they would work with the council …
0:26:12
·
3 min
Expectations for board member engagement with council members and hospital presidents
Council Member Salamanca expresses his expectations for improved communication between board members, council members, and hospital presidents. He emphasizes the need for regular updates and collaboration on the vision for …
0:29:32
·
37 sec
Improving collaboration between H+H hospitals and community health centers
Council Member Salamanca inquires about how board members can advocate for better interaction and communication between H+H hospitals and community health centers. Both nominees offer their perspectives on improving collaboration. …
0:30:09
·
175 sec
Council Member Salamanca's advice on board member responsibilities and engagement
Council Member Salamanca concludes the session with advice for the nominees on their roles as potential board members. He emphasizes the importance of active engagement and questioning during board meetings. …
0:33:05
·
38 sec
Council Member Farías remarks on board diversity and budget oversight
Council Member Amanda Farías commends the addition of diverse members to the board who come from and work in the communities they serve. She emphasizes the importance of their role …
0:33:44
·
45 sec
Q&A on preparing for cognitive care needs of the elderly
Council Member Amanda Farías inquires about Health + Hospitals' preparation for the growing number of elderly individuals requiring cognitive care. The nominees discuss potential strategies to address this challenge. - …
0:34:30
·
169 sec
Q&A on addressing the maternal morbidity crisis in NYC
Council Member Amanda Farías raises concerns about the maternal morbidity crisis in NYC, particularly in Brooklyn and the Bronx. The nominees discuss potential strategies to address this issue within the …
0:37:20
·
3 min
Council Member Diana Ayala questions nominees on hospital experience and board representation
Council Member Diana Ayala questions Dr. Michael Espiritu about his experience in public hospitals and the potential impact of board advocacy. She then emphasizes the importance of board members being …
0:40:44
·
4 min
