Brooklyn Supreme Court judge issues surprise ruling in LICH/SUNY-Downstate case
Late Thursday afternoon, State of New York University (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center was dealt a surprise blow by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Carolyn Demarest.
In an unrelated case involving Long Island Hospital (LICH) in Cobble Hill — owned and operated by SUNY — Demarest has given SUNY a little more than 30 days to issue an report to the court regarding property transactions between LICH and SUNY.
In May 2011, LICH requested and was granted the opportunity to transfer some of its assets to SUNY. The order was granted under the express declaration that “SUNY-Downstate will continue [LICH’s] operation as a hospital.” Earlier this year, SUNY made clear its intent and desire to close LICH and cease its existence as a functioning hospital, contradicting its 2011 declaration to keep the hospital open.