The argument presented by the state to support overriding its own report and placing citizens at risk is fiscal mismanagement and a poor business plan at LBMC. However, there was no evidence of medical failure, no irremediable catastrophe. While this might call for a change in hospital administration, it does not support the closing of the hospital. We have been failed by our state government, and abandoned by our elected representatives. We have seen community assets taken from us without input or consent. This cannot and should not be tolerated.

Forum scheduled for March 24

The Beach to Bay Central Council of Civic Associations will host another public forum on March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Lindell School. Our elected representatives, hospital officials and others will again be invited to update the community about the fate of LBMC while listening to our concerns. Please make every effort to attend. It is imperative that Governor Andrew Cuomo recognizes our lobbying efforts; Cuomo has been upfront and visible after Superstorm Sandy, and we need him to again go to bat for us. For more information, or to sign the petition to re-open the hospital, visit www.beachtobaycentralcouncil.com.

About the writer:

Dr. Gruber is a Lido Beach resident and a member of the BBCC and serves as the group’s research team coordinator. He practiced in Long Beach from 1962 to 1988. He served as Director of Orthopedics at Long Beach Hospital and as a member of Board of Trustees. In 1988, he went to Stony Brook University as associate chairman of Orthopedics and Clinical Professor of Orthopedics and Pediatrics. He retired in 2002.