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Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. was joined by members of the Mount Vernon City Council, 1199 SEIU United Health Care Workers, the New York State Nurses Association and local community leaders for a press conference on Thursday, August 20th in front of Mount Vernon Hospital to address plans to restructure the facility.

Mayor Young, who also serves on the Hospital Board of Directors, is steadfast in his support to maintain Mount Vernon Hospital as a primary care facility with the same comprehensive level of services. He is calling for an independent audit of hospital finances to determine the rationale for shifting services.

“For decades, Mount Vernon Hospital has provided invaluable health services and employment to the residents in our city. I believe any reduction of staffing or services at Mount Vernon Hospital would be completely unjustified. I will do everything in my power to preserve current staffing and service levels at this hospital,” stated Mayor Young.   

Mayor Young, together with members of the Mount Vernon City Council and hospital labor unions have committed their efforts to save Mount Vernon Hospital.

City Council President William Randolph said the Council said, “I can assure the citizens of Mount Vernon that the City Council will do everything in its power to ensure that Mount Vernon Hospital remains in Mount Vernon. This hospital is essential to the public health and safety of the citizens as well as the economic viability of this city.” 

Founded in 1891, Mount Vernon Hospital is currently a full service facility, which provides diagnostic and therapeutic medical and surgical services. The hospital is affiliated with Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle, which is headed by Chief Executive Officer John Spicer. Last year alone, Mount Vernon Hospital served over 26,000 patients through the Family Health and Wellness program, 22,000 in the emergency room as well as provided inpatient care to thousands of local residents. Members of the New York State Nurses Association believe any reduction in services would be extremely detrimental to the city.

 “The registered nurses of The New York State Nurses Association are committed to serving the community with the highest quality nursing care. Mount Vernon Hospital provides the community with vital services such as surgical, psychiatric, and emergency, among other departments. NYSNA asks the hospital for transparency in providing financial data and any proposed changes to the hospital’s services. Clandestine decisions impact the individuals who rely on Mt. Vernon Hospital to care for their families,” said Therese M. Wittner, Nursing Representative for the New York State Nurses Association 

George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East said that moving services out of Mount Vernon would devastate the local economy.

"Mount Vernon Hospital is a critical healthcare resource and is the only acute care institution serving the Mount Vernon community," noted Gresham. "During these tough economic times, when more and more working New Yorkers are losing their jobs and health benefits, it is more important than ever that we protect the hospitals serving our communities.  We will do everything we can to make sure the Mount Vernon Hospital stays open."

Mayor Young said he will also reach out to federal, state and county legislators to join him in working to keep Mount Vernon level of services.

“Saving a few dollars should not be at the expense of saving lives. Mount Vernon Hospital cannot function as a feeder to Sound Shore Medical Center. I encourage the hospital administration to come to the table to work out a plan that’s ultimately beneficial to the citizens of Mount Vernon,” stated Young.