By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Local hospital officials seem to have resigned themselves that a major overhaul of the state's health care system will soon become law.
The Berger Commission report goes into effect January first, since state lawmakers adjourned without taking any action.
That will mean the closing or conversion of three hospitals locally, and the merger of two others. Kaleida Thursday signed an agreement with its unions to guarantee all jobs no matter what.
George Kennedy is area director SEIU 1199. He said they've been ready for change since Kaleida formed.
"We understood five years ago that there would be changes coming," said Kennedy. "So, the contracts that we've all been working on takes into account those kinds of things."
But one of the biggest hurdles will be combining those union contracts with those of workers at the Erie County Medical Center.
The plan calls for a merger between ECMC and Kaleida. Kaleida President James Kaske said they have merged contracts with their own employee unions already. But he admits this will be tougher.
"So, we know how to do that," said Kaske. "I think the diference betweeen private sector unions versus municipal unions are substantial and will rrequire a lot of attention."
Also getting Kaske's attention will be the issue of funding.
He said say they are prepared to fight for the funding that will be needed to downsize. Kaske estimates that is about $800 million just for Western New York.
Kaskie said they will not allow quality patient care to be compromised, and will use "legal means" if necessary.
In a statement Thursday, Catholic Health Systems officials said they are also ready to move forward with their lawsuit.
But, CHS officials said they hope to work with state lawmakers to have the plan altered into more of a plan of reference for future change, rather than a mandate.