LICH patients pay tribute as they await hospital decision
Justice Baynes could decide as soon as Friday
As supporters of Long Island College Hospital (LICH) await a decision by Supreme Court Justice Johnny Lee Baynes about the closure of the hospital, expected on Friday, a group of grateful patients held a silent tribute to LICH’s doctors, nurses and staff in front of the Adams Street courthouse on Thursday.
Unlike previous rallies, there was no chanting of slogans or condemnation of SUNY or Governor Andrew Cuomo. Rather, the patients held signs listing the names of staff members at LICH who made them better or saved their lives.
“We wanted to do something positive, to pay tribute to the doctors and nurses who have and are having an impact on our lives,” said Susan Raboy, a local resident and a longtime LICH patient.
LICH patient Deborah Bingham joined the tribute with her daughter Rose Cano. “I’ve had surgery at LICH and they’ve done such a wonderful job,” she told the Brooklyn Eagle. “My mother had surgery in 2011, and her doctors will be leaving, which will bring more stress to her.”