Statement from Senator Catharine Young Regarding Hospital Capital Funding for the Southern Tier

“This huge infusion of capital funding means it’s a brand new day for patients in the Southern Tier. We have been working hard to secure these grants for my hospitals, and these millions of dollars will ensure access to high quality health care where we need it most – right here in our communities.  

“The corner has been turned towards a bright future for Brooks Memorial and TLC Lake Shore hospitals. It was imperative to protect and preserve health care for people in our region. Saving Brooks and Lake Shore from closing has been a long and difficult endeavor that now has been won. This $57 million will transform these health facilities into a state-of-the-art integrated system that will give people the care they need and deserve, and save lives. 

“It is crucial that WCA Hospital in Jamestown thrives now and in the future, and this $26.7 million will make the hospital stronger and even better equipped to meet the community’s needs. Upgrading the facilities and technology to provide excellent patient care is a tremendous quality of life advancement for the people whom we serve.

“Cuba Memorial Hospital’s $4.7 million capital grant will ensure that technology improvements and other enhancements will occur and we will continue to meet the needs of the Allegany and Cattaraugus County region. Our small rural hospitals really need the help, and this assistance will make a difference for many patients.

“My hospitals are enormous health care and economic drivers. According to 2014 federal government figures, Southern Tier and Livingston county hospitals provided 957,000 outpatient care visits, 139,400 people were treated in the emergency rooms, 18,700 patients were admitted to the hospitals, and 2,600 babies were delivered.  They produced $757,000,000 in economic activity through jobs and the purchasing of goods and services. In total, 6,400 jobs were generated. Stronger hospitals mean stronger communities, and it is thrilling to have this investment occur.”