How has Continuum’s relationship with Long Island College Hospital been positive?
BP: It sounds like the hospital has given up some control over its services by having to close the maternity, pediatrics and dentistry departments. DS: No, the board of Long Island College Hospital made those decisions. Continuum does not “own” LICH. The decision that the best way for Long Island College Hospital to continue to be a strong health care provider in the community is to close certain services was made by the board of Long Island College Hospital. BP: With families moving into Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Brooklyn in general, why is this not a golden opportunity for LICH to grow and expand the maternity and pediatrics departments? DS: First, the maternity services have been declining here at LICH for well over a year prior to any announcement. In the past, LICH had done up to 3,000 deliveries a year, but at the time of its announcement it was on a runway to about 2,200 this year. Maternity services in general tend to lose money. In other hospitals there are other servi
