By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A judge has dimissed a lawsuit from the Catholic Health System to stop the closing of St. Joseph Hospital in Cheektowaga.
St. Joseph is one of nine hospitals in New York recommended for closing by the New York State Commission on Healthcare Facilities in the 21st Century, also known as the Berger Commission. The commission's recommendations became law on January 1st.
State Supreme Court Justice Joseph Mintz Friday ruled against the CHS and upheld the commission's directives.
"We maintain our position that the process was flawed, and that St. Joseph Hospital is a high-quality, efficient and vibrant part of the health care delivery system in western New York," said Joseph McDonald, Catholic Health System's president and chief executive officer.
Catholic Health System attorneys are planning an appeal.