To: Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H
Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health
Dear Commissioner Shah:
It has recently come to my attention that Peninsula Hospital Center, a privately owned community hospital and one of two hospitals serving Far Rockaway, Queens, is set to close.
The revelation of the closing of Peninsula Hospital Center is startling given representations by hospital administrators made to local officials and the community. Up until recent weeks community leaders have been made to believe that there should not be any concern with the long-term stability of the hospital and no cause for concern of impending and insurmountable financial shortfalls.
There are many outstanding questions relating to the timing and decision to close the hospital. Among the unresolved issues are important questions surrounding the financial management of said hospital. The community deserves answers. Therefore, by way of this correspondence, I am respectfully requesting a full and thorough formal investigation of the circumstances surrounding and leading up to the decision to close Peninsula Hospital Center.
I am also requesting that you delay any closure plan involving Peninsula Hospital Center from moving forward until the investigation is completed.
Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Malcolm A. Smith
State Senator, 14th District
