Senator Serrano Community Issues Update

José M. Serrano

June 1, 2015

Constituents Corner

Privatization of Chronic Dialysis Services

Last month, Senator Serrano wrote a letter to the Committee on Establishment and Project Review's Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) regarding the proposed privatization of the chronic dialysis services at four New York City Health and Hospital Corporation (HHC) hospitals, including Lincoln and Metropolitan Hospital in the Senator's district. The proposal would have transferred dialysis services to a private company. There is sufficient data to suggest that the proposal would have a detrimental effect on chronic dialysis patients.

The Senator urged the committee to consider the health risks and to vote against the transfer in services. We are happy to report that the HHC has terminated its deal and will not privatize treatment of chronic dialysis services.

Heating and Hot Water Issues at the Patterson Houses

This past Winter, Senator Serrano wrote a letter to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) regarding heating issues at the Patterson Houses. Multiple constituents had filed complaints with the Senator's office about the lack of consistent heat and hot water in their apartments during the brutal Winter months. NYCHA has informed us that they have replaced the defunct boilers with temporary working boilers and are moving towards replacing/repairing them permanently.

"We cannot allow the residents of the Patterson Houses - including the elderly, children and disabled - to endure another frigid Winter without consistent heat and hot water. I would like to thank NYCHA for their prompt response and action," said Senator Serrano.

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