A group of supporters gathered Monday to encourage local leaders to keep the Lakewood Hospital open.
Dennis Kucinich joined the press conference, lobbying leaders not to make the hospital a family health center, as planned. The group presented a master agreement proposal.
Kucinich claimed the clinic tried to make it appear Lakewood Hospital could not be run at a profit.
The Cleveland Clinic released a statement following the news conference:
Cleveland Clinic has been proud to manage Lakewood Hospital for nearly 20 years. Currently, healthcare in the United States is facing unprecedented changes. We were pleased that our proposal was chosen to transform the way healthcare is provided for all residents in the City of Lakewood that is sustainable for the long-term future.
We will continue to work through this process with the Lakewood Hospital Association and the City of Lakewood leadership. Our commitment to the Lakewood community remains strong and we have continued to honor and follow the contract to operate the hospital for the City of Lakewood. We hope this litigation does not compromise the thoughtful process that is underway, so all Lakewood residents can receive high-quality, healthcare that meets their needs well into the future.
In November, Lakewood voters will decide a charter amendment that would require approval to close the hospital.
