Stamford Rosenthal Hospice Closure Decision Coming "Sooner Rather Than Later"

Stamford residents have in their efforts to prevent the from closing, but it may not be enough.

"It's tough to say, it's not just dependent on one thing," State Rep. Dan Fox (D-148) said in regards to the Rosenthal hospice's chances of averting closure. According to Fox, there are two primary difficulties in keeping the Rosenthal hospice open.

"The Rosenthal hospice is not taking new patients," Fox stated. "If they stay open, the requirements of the hospice would be different from a regulations perspective."

The Rosenthal Hospice Residence, which is currently run as a skilled nursing facility, would have to meet the standards of a traditonal hospice.

However, there may be other options besides full-closure of the medical facility. "DSS can also partially-accept the hospice's closing application, such as keeping the hospital open but restricting the number of beds," Fox said.

The movement to save the Rosenthal hospice has gained a considerable amount of steam in recent weeks, Fox stated, especially from Stamford residents who have had family and friends stay in the hospital. "Church groups, families of former patients, and just concerned citizens have tried to help. People from all walks of life are reaching out to me," Fox said.

Fox was among local Democratic and Republican politicians to attend a public hearing on the closure of the hospice, which is a mandatory part of submitting an application to close a hospice. Fox described the hearing as "standing-room only."

"We're still awaiting the decision provided the DSS. I was told that because of the services that the hospice provides, there will be a decision sooner rather than later," Fox said.

While Fox remains uncertain as to the level of success the push to save Stamford's Rosenthal Hospice Residence will have, he promises that he and other representatives will continue to "do the best they can."