MVHS officials denounce rumors surrounding Wynn Hospital

UTICA — It’s been just over one week since the opening of Wynn Hospital in downtown Utica, and Mohawk Valley Health System officials say several unfounded rumors have been swirling over social media regarding the quality of healthcare in the new facility.

Numerous social media posts have been seen detailing patient experiences — both positive and negative — as well as rumors on structural issues and competency at the new hospital. Rumors about Wynn Hospital began making the rounds on social media before the official opening and continued on throughout the hospital’s first week in operation.

Some of the most notable and frequently seen rumors include issues with flooding and mold in the hospital,

and issues surrounding a lack of supplies required for patient care. Officials with MVHS have been aware of the rumors, and called a press conference on Monday to denounce all of them — stating that it was “dangerous misinformation” being spread throughout the community.

“There is a group of individuals in this community who are spreading rumors, misinformation, and — let’s call it what it really is — lies,” said Norman Siegel, member of the board of directors for MVHS. “These are the disgruntled employees, former employees, and those who have opposed this hospital from the very beginning.”

“While they think they may be hurting or tarnishing the Wynn Hospital and its reputation, you want to know who they’re really hurting? They’re hurting you. They’re hurting the people of this community,” Siegel said. “Whoever you people are, you should be ashamed,” he added, addressing those who are creating and circulating the rumors.

One of the most prominent groups of people who have opposed the hospital includes those who are a part of #Nohospitaldowntown, a movement that began when the downtown hospital project was initially announced. Since its inception, the #Nohospitaldowntown group has been closely monitoring MVHS and Wynn Hospital and amplifying the voices of people who are skeptical of the hospital and critical of the healthcare administered by MVHS officials.

MVHS officials said that since the hospital’s opening on Sunday, Oct. 29, that the only major disruption was caused by the “miscalculation” on their end regarding the air handling systems, which caused a delay in major surgeries being able to be performed at Wynn Hospital. The delay was announced less than 24 hours before the hospital’s official opening.

As of Monday, the issues with the hospital’s air handling systems have fixed, officials said, and major surgeries are now able to be performed at Wynn. Due to the delay, however, about 47 people were diverted to other healthcare facilities, an increase from their original estimation of around 25 patients.

Aside from the delay, MVHS officials stood firm in their ability to provide for the community.

“Quality has never been an issue, safety has never been an issue. We are here to take care of our patient population,” said Dr. Max Berube, an emergency room physician for MVHS.

Berube confirmed that the hospital has seen almost 1,500 patients in the emergency department from Wynn’s opening day to Monday, and that the estimated wait time of around 90 minutes to two hours is on par with surrounding hospitals in Syracuse and Albany.

Darlene Stromstad, president and CEO of MVHS, was joined by other MVHS officials to express her disappointment with the ongoing rumors.

“People are working really, really hard to do everything they can for the patient experience. This is a place you can trust,” Stromstad said. “If you have questions, we always ask you to call us, we answer every one of them. You can trust your healthcare to the Wynn Hospital.”