Queens is in a major need of hospital beds after three hospitals closed since 2008. According to 2010 statistics from American Hospital Association, Queens only has 1.7 hospital beds per 1,000 residents. John Krall, who runs a medical technology company, said he could alleviate the problem immediately by reopening Parkway Hospital but is frustrated by a lack of cooperation from the government.
Krall has been pushing to reopen the facility as the Gloria D’Amico Medical Center for the last year. The Forest Hills facility is still in an ideal location, next to major highways, to help an area with a dearth of hospital beds, Krall said. This past week, he made another pitch to members of the Juniper Park Civic Association.
“It’s still a viable building. We have 251 jobs and can provide 1,000 jobs,” Krall said.
According to Krall, there is an investment group ready to pour $70 million into the project, but the state has been uncooperative in facilitating the bureaucratic process.
One possible reason government leaders are not jumping to help Krall is Parkway Hospital’s former CEO Robert Aquino.
Aquino was indicted by federal prosecutors for attempting to bribe public officials to keep the hospital open as it was facing financial troubles. Aquino was charged following an investigation of possible corruption between elected officials and hospital executives that has already seen former Richmond Hill Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio and former MediSys CEO David Rosen convicted. State Senator Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn) was also indicted and is awaiting trial.
But Krall stressed that his project would not involve Aquino. “[He] is not part of our group. We will buy the building [from him] as soon as it is approved,” Krall said.
Krall is currently suing the state for removing Parkway Hospital’s license illegally in 2008. He said he is confident that he will win in appeals court but said an amicable and quicker solution should be explored.
“We’re asking the Governor and the Department of Health to settle out of court,” Krall said.
But the state is pushing Krall to follow the proper procedures to open a medical center and file a certificate of need, which can take a year or longer to complete. Krall said that is unacceptable because Aquino is likely to sell the building well before the process is completed.
“The building won’t exist if we wait,” Krall said.
Krall has attempted to reach out to hospital unions as well as statewide agencies aimed at spurring economic development, urging them to join his fight and bring jobs to the area. However, no one he has contacted has been able to help.
By Eric Yun
