Meeks Issues Statement on St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway

Meeks Issues Statement on St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway

March 3, 2021 | Press Release

Queens, New York – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks issued the following statement regarding the proposal to reduce the capacity of St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway:

"I'm deeply disappointed with the New York Health Department and ToneyKorf Partners LLC for their recommendations to drastically reduce capacity at St. John's Episcopal Hospital. To go from 257 to 15 beds, eliminating hundreds of employees, all while the health care demands grow is unacceptable. The Peninsula's growing population, further development, and inadequate transportation infrastructure makes this decision particularly worrisome, especially considering how hard-hit the Rockaways were by the ongoing health emergency. For example, the Peninsula includes a ZIP code that experienced the second highest number of COVID-related deaths in the City at the pandemic's peak. Simply put, St. John's will not be able to serve the neighborhood if another emergency comes along with only the proposed 15 beds. To downsize the hospital will only enhance the racial disparities that run rampant in our health care system, and not better serve the community."