2002

Buffalo, N.Y., March 27, 2002 - Joint working group co-chairs, Bill Joyce, Kaleida Board Vice Chair, and Dr. Philip Glick, Surgeon-in-Chief at Children's Hospital of Buffalo, and representing Women and Children First, issued the following statement after a meeting on Monday of representatives of the joint working group, which is continuing analysis of a proposal to keep Children's Hospital of Buffalo at Bryant Street.

On Monday, members of the joint working group met to discuss a proposal to keep Children's Hospital on Bryant Street with Dennis Rivera, president of the Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union which represents approximately 1,800 employees at the Bryant Street facility, and Kenneth Raske, president of the Greater New York Hospital Association.

On March 11, the Kaleida Board endorsed the formation of an independent, joint working group to study a proposal from Women and Children First that supports keeping Children's Hospital at Bryant Street. In its analysis of the proposal, the joint working group is engaging other appropriate parties - such as union and community leaders - in dialogue in order to arrive at a recommendation that will be in the best interest of the community, Children's Hospital and the entire Kaleida system. The joint working group, which held its first meeting on March 22, is focusing on four areas critical for consensus-building and the development of a unified recommendation-finance, management, governance and high-risk obstetrics. Four subcommittees with equal representation from Kaleida and Women and Children First have been formed to address each of these areas. The joint working group agreed not to make public their deliberations or discussions with other third parties until there is agreement upon a recommendation for the Kaleida Board's consideration.

Dr. Glick emphasized that there is a strong sense of urgency to find the common ground, "The group is working very collaboratively to address the issues and obtain agreement so we can get on with the important work that needs to be done now to ensure the future excellence of pediatric care in Western New York. However, it is also important that the final resolution contains the details to provide the requisite structure and oversight so the hospital, the doctors and staff can fulfill their mission to provide the highest quality care for the women and children of Western New York, and that we never face a crisis like this again."

To ensure a spirit of collaboration in converging upon a recommendation, the joint working group is not disclosing any details regarding the nature of their discussion with Rivera and Raske earlier this week and encourages all interested parties to dismiss unnecessary speculation. "We recognize the benefit of obtaining input from key stakeholders beyond the members of the joint working group and will continue to solicit any necessary information that can bring resolution to the plan for Children's Hospital and advance Kaleida's ability to provide the highest quality of care to all the region's men, women and children. We are committed to informing all key stakeholders and the public in a timely manner once the committee has agreed upon its recommendation," Joyce commented.