Cheryl Marino of the Service Employees International Union 1199 and administrative organizer for the TLC-Lakeshore staff offered this statement late Friday regarding the shuttering of Lakeshore Hospital.

“We are extremely disappointed with TLC Lakeshore’s decision to ignore the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council’s recommendation by expediting the closure of a needed emergency department and behavioral health unit this weekend,” she said. “As healthcare workers who care so deeply for our patients, it is heartbreaking to think about the devastating impact this closure will have. What a terrible way to treat this community.

“We call on the Brooks Hospital/TLC Board of Directors, Chairman Chris Lanski, CEO Mary LaRowe, and Kaleida Health management to sit with the community to talk about how these critical gaps in health care services will be filled. We also urge TLC/Lakeshore management to return to the bargaining table to discuss how they plan to help the healthcare workers who are now faced with losing their livelihoods.

“Thank you to Senator Borrello, Assemblyman Goodell, and all the local elected officials that continue to stand with us. Most of all, thank you to the TLC/Lakeshore healthcare workers whose bravery, hard work, and tireless dedication to their patients is truly inspiring. In the coming weeks we will continue to speak out against this rushed and irresponsible closure and work towards meeting the behavioral health needs of our community.”