Selectmen vote opposition to Sharon Hospital reductions

CORNWALL­ — An intensifying movement to oppose planned service reductions at Sharon Hospital led the Board of Selectmen to unanimously vote to sign an official statement signifying its opposition to the cuts at a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 5.

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway said he was well-informed about the changes proposed by Nuvance Health for the rural hospital after attending several meetings about the planned cuts over the past six months.  He also noted that the town of North East, N.Y., has passed a resolution and he hoped that other area towns might consider similar action.

The Cornwall statement forcefully supports the maintenance of full services at the hospital.

Having met with state officials and mindful of concern for the well-being of rural health care in the state, Ridgway said that there may be some things the state can do, for example to allow for greater rates of reimbursement for births.

“This does not necessarily need to be adversarial,” Ridgway said. The town’s statement will be sent to the governor, as well as state and federal elected officials.

“It will be a process that will invite public input,” Ridgway added. “We rely on Sharon Hospital for quality emergency medical services.”

In other actions, the selectmen agreed to observe Flag Month by flying the Pride flag on the town Green. The Ukrainian flag will also be added to the town Green flagpole at least until Memorial Day to symbolize support for the Ukrainian people. Both votes were unanimous.

Putting the final administrative touches to creating U.S. Bike Route 7, extending from New York City to Montreal, the selectmen agreed to file for an encroachment permit to allow for the posting of 16 directional route signs on state roads, and one additional sign to be posted on River Road.

Resident Terry Burke thanked the selectmen for the town’s cooperation along the way.

The meeting was held on Zoom, attracting 17 participants.