Residents fighting to save Huron Hospital trauma center

EAST CLEVELAND, Oh - Some East Cleveland council members joined residents for a Sunday forum, designed to show Cleveland Clinic leadership that the fight is not over when it comes to the Huron Hospital Level II trauma center.

The forum took place inside Concord Baptist Church on E. 125th Street.

In October, The Cleveland Clinic announced it would be closing the trauma center and planned to divert emergency care to Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights.

Last Month, Toby Cosgrove, president of The Cleveland Clinic, agreed to delay the closing for at least 90 days.

But, many at the forum said that's not good enough.

Fannie Hall, 81, of East Cleveland, told NewsChannel 5, "If the clinic is watching this story, I will tell them be concerned about others as they would about themselves.  If they was (sic) in our predicament, what would they do?  Would they want it moved or would they want it here?"

Many residents and council members worry about the extra time it would take to transport trauma patients from East Cleveland to Hillcrest Hospital.

East Cleveland council members said they'll continue to push for future meetings with clinic leaders.

They understand they're in a tough battle, but they remain convinced that Cosgrove could change his mind if more people speak up.

A spokesperson for The Cleveland Clinic stressed the emergency department at Huron Hospital remains open 24/7.

The spokesperson also said the clinic continues to talk with community and EMS leaders in an effort to reach a resolution.