By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-547847.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is concerned about job loss and the long term effects the proposed hospital closings would have on the city. Brown says he wants to make sure that if changes occur, the delivery of health care improves.
Mayor Brown sent a letter earlier this week to Governor-Elect Eliot Spitzer regarding the health care report. Governor Pataki has been given five days to respond, then it heads to the State Legislature. But Brown says he is calling on Spitzer for help, because ultimately the recommendations would be implemented by Spitzer's health commissioner.
Brown says he is calling on the state to make sure health care in Buffalo and Western New York is improved and not diminished if the Berger Commission recommendations are implemented. The report recommends closing Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital on Delaware in Buffalo, and merging Kaleida with ECMC.
Brown says if there are local healthcare changes, proper funding should be supplied.
Brown noted that he is concerned about those in Buffalo who are under-served when it comes to health care. The Mayor says changes to the system should improve access and delivery to those in need.
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