The meeting commenced at 2:10 PM.

This first order of business was the Minutes for May 7 and May 14. After review of same, Legislator La Motte motioned to accept, second by Legislator Bronz, all in favor [3-0].

The next order of business was a discussion regarding the Children’s’ Hospital by Commissioner Stolzenberg. Commissioner Stolzenberg discussed both the history and rationale for the Children’s’ Hospital. Currently, there is a problem with overcrowding at the Westchester County Medical Center, where the 3rd and 4th floors make up the existing children’s hospital. In addition to the overcrowding by the children, the hospital is not tailored to facilitate parents who need to stay overnight. Both of these factors cause parents to sleep in the halls. Commissioner Stolzenberg also discussed the lack of playrooms for children and discussed how a child’s health is not only ameliorated with medication, but also by how they are treated and in what environment they are treated in.

Commissioner Stolzenberg noted the third and fourth floors are really a hospital within a hospital; therefore, the creation of a children’s hospital is not a "new" idea. Dr. Gewitz (Head of Pediatric) added some comments to Commissioner Stolzenberg’s discussion. Dr. Gewitz believes that efforts should be rededicated toward the existing portion of the Children’s hospital in order to bring it up to par with that of other hospitals. The estimated time frame for this project would be 5 to 6 years.

Legislator La Motte questioned such issues as competition, and how such a development would affect and/or help other neighboring hospitals. Commissioner Stolzenberg noted that many of the current hospital patients are not from Westchester. Hence there is a need for care. In addition, the Commissioner believes the Westchester community would support the development of the Children’s Hospital.

Legislator Stewart-Cousins motioned to adjourn, second by Legislator Bronz. The meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM.