Original story published 2024-09-07 23:18:53
STORY SUMMARY
New York-Presbyterian Columbia, a leading organ donation center, plans to close its acute inpatient rehabilitation unit at Milstein Hospital, reallocating the 16 beds to the emergency department. The hospital argues that this move is necessary to reduce waiting times and ease overcrowding in the ER. However, residents and employees voiced concerns at a recent Manhattan Community Board 12 meeting, arguing that the closure could disrupt the continuity of care for patients in rehab. heart transplant recipient Tyler Dickerson and others worry about the additional challenges faced by families who commute to the hospital. The hospital assures that patients will continue to receive rehabilitation services and that employees will be offered similar positions. The proposal awaits state approval as the debate over its impact continues.
VIDEO
FULL STORY
New York Presbyterian Columbia, an esteemed organ donation center, has proposed a contentious plan to shut down its acute inpatient rehabilitation (rehab) unit at Milstein Hospital and convert those 16 beds into emergency department beds. Hospital officials claim the change aims to address the emergency department’s increasing demand and to enhance patient care by reducing wait times and crowding. The proposal has sparked significant backlash from the community and hospital staff, expressing concerns about the disruption this move could cause to rehabilitation patients.
During a Manhattan Community Board 12 meeting, community members voiced their frustrations, highlighting that the initial rehab unit capacity of 40 beds had already been reduced to 16. There is a growing worry that relocating rehab patients could impede their continuity of care and create logistical difficulties for families who rely on close proximity for visiting and support. heart transplant patient Taler Dickerson criticized the proposal, emphasizing the inconvenience it would pose to families residing in the local area who bring food and provide care.
Hospital employees also expressed their concerns, stating that the quality of care and the rehabilitative support provided in the current setup are pivotal for patients’ recovery and return to normal life. In an official statement, New York Presbyterian Columbia assured that patients would still have access to rehabilitation services as they transition from the hospital to home or specialized facilities. The hospital also mentioned that it regularly assesses patient needs and plans to offer equivalent positions for affected employees within Washington Heights.
