HEALTH AND MEDICAL 

Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Ursula La Motte, Suzanne Swanson, Lois Bronz

Katherine Carsky, Andrew Donovan, Richard Wishnie, Lou Mosiello

Glenn Guzi, Dolores Heredia

Commissioner Stolzenberg opened the meeting by thanking the legislators for attending. He advised the legislators that the presentation was not final and it should be viewed in order to get a basic understanding or a road map of the upcoming plans. The Commissioner then turned the meeting over to Marianne Oros.

Mrs. Oros began with an overview of the project. In October of 1994 the project was commenced with NBBJ. At this stage they assessed and made projections as to the future of the Medical Center. Mr. Mare then discussed the site evaluation and the physical evaluation.

The physical area of the hospital was divided into five areas: 1. clinical area; 2. medical education; 3. corrections campus; 4. campus operation; and 5. middle campus. In addition to the physical divisions, an understanding the age of the buildings (which range from 1917 to the new parking structure), the functionality of the buildings, their codes and violations and other physical considerations such as walking distances between building were assessed by NBBJ. Potential sites were established. The potential sites will focus around the hospital. These will be core sites which will be physically connected to hospital. There can also be some portal sites which are not contiguous but are still good. Long term land-use was also discussed. The tentative plan will allow for the future building extensions to extend to the southern end of the Medical Center. With regards to the functionality of the existing buildings, the following 5 criteria’s were used: 1. structural adaptability; 2. functionability; 3. efficiency; 4. quality of environment; 5. support of infrastructure.

Charts and graphs were shown of which buildings needed work. Projections of buildings which should be reinvested in were also shown. The buildings which should be reinvested in are the Main Tower, Main Lower Rise, and Portion of Macy North building.

Ms. Colligan explained how work was done in conjunction with Ernst and Young whereby future projections were made. A thorough questionnaire to all of the Medical Center’s Departments was mailed which addressed the issues of space, technology, staff, and other departments which considered proximity to certain other departmental areas an essential issue. Thereafter, they met with Departments individually and challenged all responses. With the results of these questionnaires, "bed scenarios" were also addressed. A thorough discussion of changing all rooms from semi-private to private was held. Several options were created with all of the gathered information, and it was concluded that Option C was the best option. A discussion of this option was held. (Charts and graphs relating to this option were distributed). Costs, estimates and financial perspectives were also discussed (refer to material).

A concern of some of the Legislators was whether they should still be in this business. The original intent of the Medical Center has changed; therefore, the County Legislators need to discuss their the Charter and the role of the County to care for patients (indigent care, pre-natal for poor, etc.). In addition, what role the County will play with the new plans will also be discussed.

Marianne Oros concluded by discussing the steps that have commenced, and she briefly addressed the next steps that will be taken in order to proceed with this project.

The meeting adjourned at 2:40 PM