Stefanik Supports New York State Shifting and Clarifying Announcement of Executive Order to Voluntary
From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
Saratoga, NY – Yesterday, the Hospital Association of New York State (HANYS) hosted a productive call with the entire NY Congressional Delegation.
“I support and am grateful to HANYS advocacy efforts on behalf of all hospitals as the Governor continues to clarify and walk back the announcement of the misguided, rushed, and concerning Executive Order declaring that the National Guard would be forcibly removing 20% of unused PPE and ventilators from Upstate hospitals to Downstate,” said Congresswoman Stefanik.
“This announcement caught hospitals and county public health offices completely off guard as there was little to no communication about this Executive Order prior. Additional outreach to county offices to identify landing sites for Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters also created unnecessary confusion and fear in communities Upstate.
“I strongly support the approach outlined by the Hospital Association of New York which would instead shift to voluntary action taken by hospitals to send excess PPE and ventilators elsewhere in New York State. All identified equipment will stay at its home hospital unless absolutely necessary and will be geotagged to ensure smooth and easy return. In addition, I believe that HANYS is the appropriate organization to coordinate this effort because of its strong, pre-existing relationships with hospitals across the entire state.
“I am confident that each and every hospital will continue to go above and beyond to serve their communities and their fellow New Yorkers in this time of crisis. Our North Country hospitals have risen to this occasion and do not require the threat of the National Guard forcibly removing 20% of PPE to lend a helping hand to fellow New Yorkers.
“This is a much more reasonable approach because it allows flexibility and recognition that every hospital and region faces unique challenges. This voluntary approach also ensures that New York is able to meet the critical health needs of all New Yorkers both Upstate and Downstate,” concluded Congresswoman Stefanik.
Posted: April 7th, 2020 under Congressional News, Heathcare News, State Government News.