Getzville, N.Y. (WBEN) - The union representing employees at Weinberg Campus says there's a glimmer of hope that the facility can stay open now that Weinberg's CEO has signed off on a receivership plan to the Lineage Group.
Grace Bogdanov of 1199SEIU says Weinberg CEO Robert Mayer confirmed to the New York State Department of Health he is in support of a receivership application to be submitted by Lineage Care Group, and he and his team would provide whatever information is necessary to assist Chris Koenig in completing that application.
"I felt very hopeful, and I am truly grateful for all of the support the members at Weinberg campus have received, that the residents have received from our community," said Bogdanov on Wednesday in an interview with WBEN.
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Bogdanov says the NYSDOH told her two things had to happen.
"One was that the current CEO needed to approve and participate in the receivership application, and that has been made clear today. The second was that the application had to be completed by Lineage Care Group, and that also was pursued both yesterday and today. Now that those two items are being addressed, I don't see why the Department of Health should have any reason to deny the request for receivership," Bogdanov said.
"The Lineage Care Group remains committed to its goal to provide quality, not for profit care in Western New York. The Weinberg Campus has a rich history in the area that should be preserved. We are committed to the staff, the residents, and the community, and we appreciate the support that has been shown to save the campus,” said Chris Koenig, CEO of Lineage Care Group.
Bogdanov hopes to hear a response from Albany sometime soon.
"I have serious concerns about the well being of the residents, as more and more residents are being moved out every single day, and as workers are seeking employment elsewhere, it also brought to my attention today that the Security employees of Weinberg campus have submitted their resignation, and that that brings about a security concern for the residents in the campus as well," she noted.
Bogdanov added a job fair for employees was conducted on Wednesday.
60 residents have already been moved out of Weinberg Campus after word closure plans were taking place.
WBEN has received the following statement from a spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul:
"Gov. Hochul's No. 1 priority is ensuring the safety of Rosa Coplon nursing home residents, which is why the State stepped in after the privately operated Weinberg Campus failed to competently manage its finances and left vulnerable people at risk of losing access to food and heat weeks before lake effect snow begins to hit Buffalo. The State will continue to prioritize the safety of residents through an orderly transfer to competently managed facilities to ensure they have the care they need.
"Nursing homes are stringently regulated by the Department of Health because senior citizens are some of the most vulnerable people in our community. To be clear: it would be irresponsible and dangerous for the Department to hastily approve new ownership without conducting due diligence and ensuring any new owner is able to keep residents safe.
Elected members of the community have been fully briefed and were made aware that the State cannot start a receivership process until various requirements are addressed — but we are committed to proceeding expeditiously when qualified applicants come forward. A change in the operator of a nursing home, including to a receiver, requires a formal application, including financial disclosures, and a three-party agreement; the State cannot decide unilaterally to place this facility in receivership.
"We can all agree on the importance of sustaining the Rosa Coplon nursing home beds for the long term – but protecting the safety of vulnerable residents right now comes first."