Producers obtained a permit from the city to film, Player said, and LBMC secured a temporary use permit from the Nassau County Fire Marshal to allow filming on site. Player also said that CBS paid undisclosed fees to the financially-strapped hospital in order to film.

The hospital’s closure remains a source of frustration for residents, city officials and state and county representatives, who have been calling for a 24-hour emergency department that could accept ambulances. A few days before filming began, demonstrators gathered in front of the hospital and staged a “die-in,” where they expressed the need for an emergency department on the barrier island.

Player said that producers were aware of the hospital’s closure — and that the community is still reeling from Sandy.

“I think they were surprised to see houses that are still having work done following the storm — and especially when they got to the hospital and saw that it was not operational,” she said.

East State Street homeowners Jill and Kerri Rehnback were asked last week by one of the show's location scouts if they could use the outside of their home to film a scene, they said. The Rehnbacks said they had to remove all of their personal belongings outside the home, such as chairs, flags, decorations and even the Stars of Hope that were nailed by their sidewalk.

“They liked the area — the house had the look they were looking for,” Player said.

The show has been a big supporter of relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy victims — "The Good Wife" cast members have helped rebuild homes in New York and raised money for recovery efforts in the Rockaways and other areas.

For a little while, Player said, the hospital seemed as if it had come back to life during filming.

“When they had the extras and everyone there, it felt like the E.R. was back up and running and it was exciting,” she said. “It was a little bitter sweet, but exciting and they were very gracious.”