Senate To Pass Bill Preserving Bellevue Woman's Hospital

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C - Schenectady) announced that the Senate is expected to pass legislation tomorrow exempting Bellevue Woman's Hospital from the closure requirements of the Berger Commission. The bill (S.847) has been strongly supported by many womens' organizations.

"This legislation recognizes that the Berger Commission made a mistake -- decreeing closure of this important womens' health care facility on the basis of misinformation and incorrect data," Senator Farley explained. "Bellevue, the only womens' specialty hospital in the state, is a financially healthy, clinically strong institution, with supporters throughout the state and nation."

Supporters of Bellevue argued that the Berger Commission used incorrect financial and clinical data to justify the closure requirement. By exempting Bellevue from the Commission's closure requirements, the legislation will permit the hospital to remain open as an independent facility.

Following tomorrow's expected Senate passage, the bill will go to the Assembly.