PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Dr. Cheryl Smith, Primary Care Physician and HIV Expert at Gotham Health Center, Sydenham
3:46:11
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160 sec
Dr. Cheryl Smith, a primary care physician and HIV expert at Gotham Health Center, Sydenham, testified about the challenges faced by healthcare providers in the NYC Health + Hospitals system. She highlighted issues of understaffing, reduced appointment times, and the impact on patient care quality.
- Dr. Smith has 30 years of experience in NYC H+H facilities and emphasized the dedication of healthcare providers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- She expressed concern about the reduction of new patient appointment times from 40 to 20 minutes, which she believes undermines the patient-physician relationship.
- Dr. Smith urged addressing staffing shortages and reconsidering policy changes that affect patient care and provider morale.
Cheryl Smith
3:46:11
Good good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for the opportunity to to speak.
3:46:18
As stated, I'm doctor Cheryl Smith.
3:46:20
I'm a primary care as well as an HIV expert.
3:46:23
I saw my fellow, colleague from years back, doctor Jenny there, as always fighting the good fight.
3:46:31
I'm attendant physician at Seidenham with Gotham Health Center.
3:46:35
I began my medical career 30 years ago training at several, New York City h and h facilities such as Jacoby, North Central Bronx, Bellevue Hospital.
3:46:47
I have this, dedicated my career to ensuring that New York's residents receive high quality health care services throughout my years of service, particularly during the devastation of COVID 19.
3:47:01
My colleagues and I have consistently gone above and beyond to meet the needs of our patients.
3:47:07
However, the health care providers who, supported our city during its most challenging times now find themselves overvalued, undervalued, and underserved by the very system they work tirelessly to uphold.
3:47:24
One critical issue is the chronic understaffing of both physicians and frontline administrative staff.
3:47:32
The persistent shortage, place the persistent shortage places an undue burden on existing personnel compromising the quality of care we, thrive to serve.
3:47:45
Administrative staff are essential to keeping our clinics running smoothly while physicians need time to address the complex medical, social, and mental health needs of our patients.
3:47:57
Additionally, the reduction in new patient appointment times from 40 minutes to just 20 minutes only exacerbates this strain.
3:48:10
This change undermines the core principle of the patient physician relationship.
Mitch Katz
3:48:16
Thank you.
3:48:16
Time's expired.
Cheryl Smith
3:48:18
I'm I'm closing.
3:48:20
A patient population often faces multifaceted challenges and address it addresses their needs comprehensively requires more time, not less.
3:48:32
I urge you to address these staff and charges and consider the impact of policy changes on both patient care and provide and, provider morale.
3:48:41
Let us work together to ensure that New York City's health care system remains a beacon of quality and compassion for all.
3:48:49
Thank you for your time and attention.