Dobbs Ferry Community Hospital is on the chopping block, along with several New York hospitals, after a state commission issued a report to modernize health care and save money.

The Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century says there are hospitals around the state with as many as a third of their beds empty. The commission says that is costing money and putting patients at risk. The report's goal is to reform the health system in phases.

The commission recommends closing nine hospitals and seven nursing homes. Dozens more are targeted for mergers and downsizing, including Mount Vernon Hospital, Sound Shore Medical Center, Andrus on Hudson, The Taylor Center at Westchester Medical Center and Skyview Rehabilitation. It also recommends that the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center become an independent facility.

If Dobbs Ferry Community Hospital closes, 250 jobs are in jeopardy. However, commission members say those employees will be absorbed by other facilities. The state Legislature and the governor have to approve the recommendations. If approved, the process of closing and reconfiguring hospitals could take more than a year.

Related Information Final Report of Commission on Health Care Facilities