Far Rockaway, NY – Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Far Rockaway) issued a statement regarding the recent developments regarding St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. The statement is below:

“St John’s Episcopal Hospital (SJEH), their staff, and their mission make them a vital healthcare asset and community partner in the Rockaways. It doesn’t surprise me that in less than 24 hours after hearing these proposals, our entire community, 1199 SEIU, the hospital administration, and elected officials came together to squash them.

This community will never forget the incredible work that SJEH performed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to this day. Our advocacy has led the state to acknowledge how crucial SJEH is to our community, and they are committed to providing support to the hospital that will put them on a path to financial sustainability.

I want to thank my partners in government for joining together, and Governor Cuomo and Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker for hearing us and supporting the needs of our community.”