The Kingston Hospital and Benedictine Hospital today announced the schedule and locations for a series of community forums intended to update, inform and solicit input from the community about the proposed realignment that will create a corporate affiliation between the two hospitals. Five meetings will be held throughout the region.
The Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century (known as the Berger Commission) has mandated the two hospitals create an affiliation, giving them until December 31, 2007 to develop a plan under which a new corporation would be created to oversee the two facilities.
William Le Doux, chairman of the board of Benedictine Hospital, will join Eugene Heslin, M.D., chairman of the board of The Kingston Hospital at the public forums to discuss with the community how the hospitals are working together to achieve the Berger Commission’s directive.
“These community forums are an important step in the realignment process,” said Mr. Le Doux. “The goal of the realignment effort is ultimately to provide improved healthcare services to the community, so it is critical to keep people informed and hear the concerns and thoughts of those who we are serving.”
According to Dr. Heslin, “The two hospitals have been working closely together every step of the way to ensure the realignment effort goes smoothly and serves the public interest. At this point, we want to bring the public into the process to make sure they know where things stand, and hear their thoughts and concerns.”
Assemblyman Kevin A. Cahill will moderate the discussions at the first four meetings, providing a perspective on the Berger Commission and Governor Spitzer’s commitment to implementing its findings. Thomas A. Dee, President and CEO of the Benedictine Hospital, will update attendees on the status and findings of the study being conducted on the integration of clinical services; while Mike Kaminski, President and CEO of The Kingston hospital, will detail the timeline for realignment, associated costs, and the continuation of women’s health services.
The dates for each forum are listed below. All forums are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.