Electeds and Montefiore Make Progress in Improving Communications about Weiler Emergency Department

Electeds and Montefiore Make Progress in 
Improving Communications about Weiler Emergency Department


BRONX, NY (May 1, 2014) – Local elected officials and leadership from Montefiore Medical Center joined today for a joint meeting to discuss community concerns regarding emergency services at Weiler Hospital. Based on discussions, elected officials and Montefiore have agreed to partner together to improve community understanding of the best available healthcare services and ensure regular communication between Montefiore and the community.

Present at Thursday morning’s meeting were Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Assembly Member Mark Gjonaj, Council Member James Vacca, as well as representatives from Representative Joe Crowley, Representative Jeff Klein, Council Member Ritchie Torres, and members of Community Board 10 and 11. Montefiore representatives included Lynn Richmond, senior vice president and chief of staff; Beverly Michael, executive director, Einstein Campus; Peter P. Semczuk, D.D.S., M.P.H., vice president, Clinical Services; and Kathryn Rose, assistant vice president, Government Relations.

“I am gratified that the officials of Montefiore/Einstein Hospital have recognized the community concerns and have presented a pathway to addressing these concerns, as well as, agreeing to an on-going dialogue to address these and any future concerns,” said Assemblyman Benedetto. “I applaud all involved for coming together in an open and frank conversation which resulted in real results.”

An educational campaign will be developed to inform community members about the best ways to access care, focusing on the availability of area urgent care centers and the newly opened Westchester Square ED. Montefiore will continue its work to date optimizing workflow, space and clinical services at Weiler and throughout its integrated delivery system to improve patient access to care. Additionally, to continue sharing information and ensure strong lines of communication, elected officials and Montefiore have committed to a check-in meeting in three months to discuss the status of those efforts.

“We appreciate Assemblyman Benedetto’s leadership in working to improve communication and impact the care of patients at our Weiler Hospital,” said Dr. Semczuk. “Montefiore is deeply concerned about the well-being of our community as well as our patients’ satisfaction with their experience. We look forward to ongoing discussions and further improvements in how we care for those seeking treatment at Montefiore.”

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