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February 16, 2001 Health hearing testimony points to troubled system
Financial viability of NUMC, community health services under review Mineola, NY - Health care in Nassau County, the viability of Nassau University Medical Center and its community health centers, and quality of services for the needy, were under a microscope during a day-long hearing of the Health and Social Services Committee of the Nassau County Legislature, held February 13. Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury), chair of the Health and Social Services Committee, committee vice chair Brian Muellers (D-Glen Cove), Democratic Legislators Patrick Williams (D-Uniondale) and David Denenberg (D-Merrick), as well as committee members, reached out to administrators, board members and staff at NUMC, officials for community health agencies, county commissioners and community advocates for input on what Legislator Corbin called a "fact-finding mission". Approximately 10 hours of testimony from speakers invited to testify and members of the public focused on everything from health care reimbursement costs, staffing levels at the medical center, doctor's fees, health clinics and services, and offered evidence that the county's financial difficulties have created gaps in the provision of health care services. "This hearing provided the hard facts about the state of health care and social services in Nassau County. We need to review this information carefully and take whatever action is necessary to ensure that health care and services in this county are delivered efficiently and effectively," said Legislator Williams on behalf of the majority caucus." Richard Turan, Acting President/CEO of NUMC, which is operated by the Public Benefit Corporation, said the mission is to improve the quality of services at the facility through enhanced revenues and expense reduction. While acknowledging problems with staffing and finances, Mr. Turan said a $6 million expansion of the emergency room and hospital-based clinics would have a positive impact on the hospital since approximately 80 percent of the hospital's patients are admitted through the emergency room. In addition to Mr. Turan, NUMC board members Dr. Greta Rainsford, and chairman Bobby Kumar responded to the committee's questions, offering information about policy matters pertaining to hospital operations and management as well as the health clinics sprinkled throughout Nassau County. Both indicated that under Mr. Turan's direction, the hospital has begun moving in the right direction, but added, "The $18 million supplement from the county is not enough" to lift the hospital out of its financial hole. "We need a plan to decrease overhead and increase revenue," said Dr. Rainsford. David Ackman, MD, MPH, the new Commissioner of the Department of Health, offered testimony that the "health of Nassau County is good, but there are still diseases, communities and groups which need our continuing effort." He added that we need to promote good health and build healthy communities through education, environmental protection, sanitation, disease control and encouraging healthy behaviors." He added that he would like to bring new partners into the county's efforts to improve the public's health. Donna Kass, Long Island Coalition for a National Health Plan, in written testimony, painted a gloomy picture of not only NUMC, but also the clinics. Ms. Kass wrote that there are problems with the Public Benefit Corporation's administrative and management performance and the county's dereliction of responsibility for the physical plant and the healthcare of its vulnerable population. "Also of concern is the gap in home care services for pre-natal, post-partum and other preventive services…Patients at the hospital, in need of tests and procedures are being asked for up-front money and when they don't have it, they are turned away." She concluded by asking committee members to provide oversight and help to ensure the survival of the Public Benefit Corporation, which has run the medical center as the independent Nassau Health Care Corporation since 1999. The committee also heard testimony from Robert Sherman, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, Howard Savronsky, Commissioner of Mental Health, Briding Newell, Commissioner of Drug & Alcohol and former Director of Minority Affairs, representatives from County Comptroller Fred Parola's office, and Eric Naughton, Director, Office of Legislative Budget Review. Testimony was either heard or received from numerous community agencies including: The Coalition to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care (AHEAD), The Long Island Minority Aids Coalition, and the Committee for Racial Justice on Health Care and the Minority Community. Legislators Corbin and Williams are preparing a report and recommendations based on information received during the hearing. For additional information or to interview members of the Health and Social Services Committee, please contact the Majority Press Office at 516-571-6226 or 516-571-6285. |