Hawley and Maziarz respond to Lakeside hospital closing

Press release

Two state legislators who represent the Brockport community in Albany issued a joint statement this evening following the announcement that Lakeside Health System would begin closing its hospital in Brockport.

Lakeside officials praised the efforts of State Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, to obtain state funding to help keep the hospital open. But, the state decided against throwing a financial lifeline to Lakeside.

Here is the statement from Maziarz and Hawley:

“Today’s announcement is unfortunate, particularly after working extensively with hospital administrators, top state health department officials, and neighboring health care providers to continue to keep Lakeside’s emergency department viable and accessible. In the end, Lakeside’s financial hole was just too deep.

“This is a painful setback to improving access to health care in our region, and we know the greater Brockport community will never be the same without its hospital. We will continue working to reopen the Emergency Department at the Lakeside Facility with a neighboring health care provider for Eastern Orleans and Western Monroe Counties.

“Today’s announcement is strictly about finances and demographics.Lakeside has a stellar reputation for patient care, and that reputation has been justly earned by a dedicated staff. We sincerely thank them and salute them for all they have done over the years.”