State Sen. George Borrello

State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, issued this statement regarding the decision to keep units at Lakeshore Hospital open for the time being:

“The residents of our region were handed a victory this morning with the recommendation by OMH’s Project Review Committee to keep TLC/Lakeshore hospital’s mental health unit and emergency room open until further notice.

“As those of us advocating for this outcome have stated from the beginning, the Committee felt there was inadequate planning for assuring the continuity of care in the region on the part of the hospital administration.

“The Committee further stated that Vital Access Provider Assurance Program (VAPAP) funding from the state should continue to support TLC/Lakeshore’s operations until a strong, well-developed plan for the facility’s future is formulated.

“Their decision is an affirmation that a community that is united and vocal about their needs, can be heard and can affect change. Their decision is also an affirmation that the good, hardworking people of our region need – and deserve – access to health care.

“My thanks go out to the Committee Chair, Dr. Glenn Martin, and OMH’s Committee members on this prudent and humane decision. I would also like to thank all my partners in this effort – SEIU and its dedicated Lakeshore members, my government colleagues at the local, state and federal levels, our region’s emergency services units and people across our community who spoke out on this issue.

“I urge the Commissioner of OMH and the Commissioner of the Department of Health (DOH) to follow the recommendations of Dr. Martin and his fellow medical professionals on the Committee.

“I look forward to continuing to work together with all these stakeholders as we plan a stronger and brighter future for TLC/Lakeshore hospital and all those it serves.”