By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – It's been a virtual free-fall for the embattled Sheehan Memorial Hospital. First it filed for bankruptcy protection. Then, last August, a deeply concerned community and staff pushed and got the mass resignations of Sheehan's leadership. Now there's been yet another change at the helm.
But the East Side hospital is starting out the new year with a new interim chief executive officer, a new strategy and an optimistic outlook on its future.
There was some hope last summer when a new board was seated and an interim CEO hired, who had the confidence of the staff. But that didn't stop the bleeding. In October, emergency and surgical operations ceased. And the hospital lost its bankruptcy protection.
Then, quietly, two weeks ago, interim CEO Don Lyles walked away from the crisis. That's when former Tops executive Paul Paladino stepped in. Paladino says as both a businessman and a pharmacist he has the expertise needed for the tough job ahead. But Paladino's most crucial asset may be his optimism.
"I don't ever look negatively at things," Paladino said. "If I get a no, it means that I haven't asked the right person the right question. I'm willing to knock on a lot of doors to make sure this place stays open."
That's why Paladino spent last week trying to keep the life blood of the hospital flowing -- electricity. Among more than five hundred creditors, Sheehan owes roughly $600,000 to Niagara Mohawk. Paladino says, for now, NIMO is working with them.
Paladino says doctors are also showing support, with many returning. He says that will make it easier to secure the hospital's future. Paladino says that may or may not include another bankruptcy filing. That question, as well as whether or not the hospital would eventually have to merge with another hospital system, are still undecided.
"There are small hospitals that can exist on their own," Paladino said. "There are a few in outlying areas of Western New York. It's just finding your niche in the marketplace."
Paladino says for Sheehan, that would mean specialty services, such as diabetes and sickle cell treatment as well as others. The detox and rehab facilities were re-opened last week. And he says there are plans to re-open the emergency room.
But for now, Paladino says he'd like to get the message out that the hospital is still open and a vital part of the East Side community.