The Myths & Truths

on the Closure of

Myth 1

St. Vincent’s is a private hospital and

can close at any time.

The TRUTH

•Not-For-Profit•Public Health Law•Administrative Regulations

Myth 2

St. Vincent’s was run professionally by

experts in the medical field.

The TRUTH

•Run by outside consultants•$10 million for 10 Executives•Hundreds of Millions in Consultants

Myth 3

St. Vincent’s Board of Directors acted

responsibly.

The TRUTH

•Did not comply with Open Meetings Law•Actions taken in secret•Refused to bring in restructuring team in 2009

Myth 4

St. Vincent’s complied with the law in closing

the hospital.

The TRUTH

•Not-for-Profit•Public Health Law•Administrative Regulations•“Hiding” in Bankruptcy

Myth 5

St. Vincent’s made public disclosure of their

financial documents.

The TRUTH

•Failed to file with the AG for years as required by law•Never mentioned debts to Public Officials

Myth 6

St. Vincent’s was almost a billion dollars in debt.

The TRUTH

•Shifting of assets in 2001•St. Vincent’s absorbs all debt

Myth 7

An “urgent care” facility is as good as a Hospital.

The TRUTH

•Not an emergency room•No beds•Duane Reade?

Myth 8

Department of Health fulfilled its mandate to

oversee the operation of St. Vincent’s.

The TRUTH

•All actions cloaked in secrecy•No documents released to the public

Myth 9

The Charities Bureau at the Attorney General’s Office

ensured that St. Vincent’s complied with

the law.

The TRUTH

•Failed to file for three years•Incomplete Filings•“Not-for-Profit Enron”

Myth 10

This can’t happen again!

The TRUTH

•The future of Health Care if we don’t stop it.

Emergency Department Treatment

vs. Urgent Care Treatment

You cannot have an emergency room without a hospital!When you need to go to the

Emergency Room:If you have a serious condition - stroke,heart attack, severe bleeding, head

injuryor other major trauma don't take a

chancewith anything life threatening. The ER

isthe best place for these and other

criticalconditions, including:• Chest pain • Difficulty breathing • Severe bleeding or head trauma • Loss of consciousness • Sudden loss of vision or blurred

vision• Heart attack• Stroke• Diabetic shock• Car accident• Severe fall

When an Urgent Care Center canbetter meet your needs:• Minor burns or injuries • Sprains and strains • Coughs, colds, and sore

throats • Ear infections • Allergic reactions (non life-

threatening) • Fever or flu-like symptoms • Rash or other skin irritations • Mild asthma • Animal bites