Community To Rally Against Cuts To Inwood Psychiatric Ward

INWOOD, NY — Residents and mental health advocates worried by a plan to decertify a 30-bed inpatient psychiatric ward in Inwood are planning to rally this month in hopes of saving the facility.

The New York State Nurses Association is planning a demonstration at the Allen Hospital on Broadway and West 220th Street on the afternoon of June 13 to save the hospital's psychiatric unit from closing, according to a flyer for the event. New York-Presbyterian Hospital filed plans with the state Department of Health late last year to decertify the facility.

The hospital wants to remove the facility to make space for a labor and delivery unit, two C-section rooms and neonatal intensive care unit, according to plans filed with the state. The $70 million plan would also allow the hospital to construct four surgical operating rooms and support rooms.

The plan has been met with concern by local residents, community representatives and elected officials. State Senator Marisol Alcantara and State Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa called the plan "deeply worrisome" in a joint statement and Community Board 12 voted in February to oppose New York-Presbyterian's plans.

A New York-Presbyterian spokesperson previously told Patch: "The behavioral health services we provide to the Northern Manhattan community will continue to include inpatient and outpatient care. Patients will be evaluated and receive services where most appropriate for their needs and according to each patient's choice."

The rally is set to begin at 1 p.m. on June 13.

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