Resident warns removal of surgical services at Bellevue could worsen maternal-health access

A resident urged the Schenectady City Council on Monday to pass a resolution opposing the planned removal of surgical services from Bellevue Hospital, warning the change could endanger women and mothers who need comprehensive surgical care. "Removing surgical services at Bellevue will directly impact women's ability to access safe, timely care," Ellie Pepper told the council during public comment on city business. Pepper said that while she was told cesarean sections would remain at Bellevue, other procedures sometimes required during or after delivery, such as hysterectomies, would no longer be available onsite and could force dangerous transfers. Pepper also raised concerns about the broader effect of consolidation on Ellis Hospital. She cited a council member's remark that Ellis lost $65 million between 2019 and 2022 and said an outside management-services agreement with Saint Peter's Health Partners, part of the Trinity Health Network, could introduce cost-cutting pressures. "Cutting surgical services from Bellevue does not save Ellis," Pepper said, urging the council to stand with nurses and oppose reductions in local surgical capacity. The comments were made as part of public comment; the meeting transcript does not record any council vote on a resolution opposing Bellevue surgical-service reductions during the Aug. 25 session.