By Jennifer Warren
The city Health and Hospitals Corporation two weeks ago sought state approval to close 27 of New York City’s health clinics by June 18, including seven in Queens, the state Department of Health announced.
Those slated for possible closure include clinics in Long Island City, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Corona, Jackson Heights, and Jamaica, according to a plan submitted to the state by the Health and Hospitals Corporation’s LaRay Brown, a senior vice president.
“While not wavering in our mission to provide health care services to New Yorkers regardless of their insurance status, HHC has had to re-evaluate our ambulatory care site development strategies,” LaRay said in the letter.
The submitted proposal is the first step in the process, said Health Department spokesman John Signor. HHC is expected to submit shortly a more detailed closing plan which must be approved by the state Health Department, Signor said. The state has up to 90 days to respond to the plan, he said.
Of the seven Queens-based facilities to close, six are school-based clinics serving children — many of whom traditionally lack health insurance.
Scheduled to be shuttered are clinics based out of Long Island City High School, PS 7 in Elmhurst, PS 220 in Forest Hills, PS 14 in Corona, IS 145 in Jackson Heights, PS 86 and the Waltham Health Center, both in Jamaica.
Under the plan patients in western Queens will be referred to Elmhurst Hospital. Patients at Jamaica’s PS 86 are expected to be absorbed by Queens Hospital Center and the Waltham Health Center clients will be directed to Parson’s clinic, also in Jamaica.
The Health and Hospital Corporation did not return calls for comment by press time.
A letter notifying patients of the shutdowns was expected to be sent to clients in mid-May. Patients were informed of the nearest health center and where their medical records are expected to be transferred.
The closings come as the Health and Hospitals Corporation faces a $300 million deficit for the fiscal year 2001 and significant losses from fiscal year 2000.
Reach reporter Jennifer Warren by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 155.
