Those who prefer the slogan of “renovate, don’t relocate” for Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk do not understand the severity and scope of how the health-care landscape across New York state is constantly changing. With very little warning earlier this month, the state Health Department approved closure of the Lakeshore Hospital campus in Irving. Some 200 workers will be losing their jobs — and a major facility will be empty starting Jan. 1.

While area officials are working to delay — or keep — the hospital from closing, it is pure desperation. Since the state has signed off on the plan, it is likely inevitable to be a done deal. It will not be long until Lakeshore is added to the list of small hospitals to close in this state.

Brooks, unfortunately, could be another.

Right now, that institution is losing more than $1 million per month. New York state is helping pay the bills — and has every intention of opening a new $70 million state-of-the-art facility in Fredonia.

But if residents want to protest relocation, there could be serious consequences. For the record, we know the Brooks-TLC Hospital System board of directors has been anything but responsible in recent years regarding the finances.

That being said, the board yields very little power right now other than to do as the state says. The board — and the institutions it oversees — have absolutely no leverage. They are worse than broke.

Residents need to be accepting of any future plans for Brooks. If it is moving — and building — that may be better than the other option that is currently facing the Irving site: closure.

No one wants that here.