Submitted by the office of Senator Darrel J. Aubertine
FULTON, NY – State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) is close to a deal between the state Department of Health and A. L. Lee Memorial Hospital that could preserve some level of acute care and Emergency Room services at the facility.
“Health care is a priority in Central and Northern New York,” Sen. Aubertine said. “Since I was made aware of the situation at this hospital in February, I’ve worked daily with DOH officials and A.L. Lee to work out a solution. This facility is an economic engine in the heart of Fulton and vital to this community’s health care needs.”
A.L. Lee Memorial had been slated to close June 30 in compliance with a recommendation from the state Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century, or Berger Commission. Sen. Aubertine has been routinely meeting with officials from the Fulton hospital and the state Department of Health, and has brought the issue to leadership in the Legislature.
For a deal to be approved by the Department of Health, A.L. Lee Memorial will have to enter into a partnership with another hospital in compliance with the Berger recommendations.
“It is extremely gratifying to finally have the opportunity to negotiate an agreement to maintain acute care services here in Fulton,” said Richard B. Abbott, chairman of the A. L. Lee Memorial Board of Directors. “We are thankful to Sen. Aubertine for making this opportunity possible. He recognized the critical importance of this issue to the Fulton community and immediately offered his support as our senator.”
“We certainly want to thank Sen. Aubertine for his support in working with the Department of Health and Lee Memorial in helping to preserve acute care and emergency room services for the people of Fulton,” said Dennis A. Casey, executive director of A.L. Memorial. “We believe this is an important first step that will help all of us move forward into the future.”
[Editor’s Note: Below is a brief video statement from Sen. Aubertine, provided by his office.]
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