The state Department of Health recently rejected an alternative to closing emergency room services at A. L. Lee Memorial Hospital, in Fulton.

The hospital, which serves several northern Cayuga County communities, is pegged to be downsized in June 2008.

The state Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century, also known as the Berger Commission, recommended eliminating 67 inpatient beds and converting to outpatient services only, which would essentially eliminate emergency care.

An alternate proposal submitted with Lee Memorial's Heal grant application in July requested reduced inpatient and intensive care beds, but ER availability for one-to-two-day and 23-hour surgical stays.

A disease management plan was also submitted to the state, which rejected the proposal last week.

“After a comprehensive review, we determined that closing A.L. Lee would not unduly threaten patient safety,” a letter from the DOH stated. “Accordingly, we are constrained by state law to require you implement the (Berger) Commission's recommendations as written.”

Hospital officials were upset with the rejection, but called for continued support from the communities that use the facility.

“We believe the decision is wrong,” Lee Memorial Executive Director Dennis Casey said in a press release. “We remain committed to providing inpatient care, intensive care and emergency department services to our community.

“Please continue to support us,” he said.