Onorato ‘Strongly Opposes’Parkway Hospital Closing

The proposed closing of the New Parkway Hospital in Forest Hills has generated opposition from elected officials throughout Queens. Among those making his voice heard is state Senator George Onorato (D-12th District-Long Island City). “Like many other elected officials in our borough, I strongly oppose the recommendation that was recently made by the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century, otherwise known as the Berger Commission, to close Parkway Hospital in Queens,” Onorato said yesterday. “This isn’t a case of ‘not in my backyard’ opposition. In this case, I very simply believe that the Berger Commission--with the exception of our local representatives on the panel--didn’t adequately examine what’s going on in our backyard with regard to local health needs.

“The fact of the matter is that Queens, with its growing population and high number of senior citizens, is already medically underserved and experiencing greater demands for health care. Recent information released by the Queens Borough President indicates that, in 2004, one third of the discharges of Queens residents occurred outside of Queens County. If we already have sufficient medical facilities, why are so many Queens residents leaving the borough to seek care?

“Earlier this year, I co-sponsored legislation (S.6591) which would have delayed the release of the Berger Commission recommendations and required the panel to consider many more factors in presenting its report. Unfortunately, the bill was not considered by the senate. Had it been, I wonder whether Parkway Hospital--which is clearly an integral part of our local healthcare network--would ever have been targeted for closure.

“If the legislature does not return to Albany by the end of the year to reject the report, the State Health Department will be required, unfortunately, to implement the Berger Commission recommendations. Should this happen, you may rest assured that I will continue to work with my fellow elected officials to find a way to save our local healthcare system from further deterioration.”