After interest was sparked by the deaths of pediatric patients, Stony Brook University Hospital is now facing a five-front investigation into its quality of healthcare.

According to Newsday, a new investigation is being conducted by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Although this investigation, which was announced on September 7th, 2006, was sparked by the deaths of the pediatric patients, the probe now spans all medical and surgical services provided by the hospital.

Other ongoing investigations include those of the Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny’s 5 member commission, the State Department of Health’s probe, the SUNY Board of Trustees panel and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

These investigations have led to a $38,000 fine by the State Department of Health along with a pending $30 million lawsuit by Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota on behalf of the parents of Amee Martin, one of the pediatric patients who died as a result of medical overdose. One of the gravest consequences of this investigation could be the loss of hospital accreditation as an institution of higher learning.

A Town Hall Meeting will be held on September 11 to discuss hospital matters. It will be led by Dr. Kenny (University President), Dr. Richard Fine (Dean of the School of Medicine), Fred Sganga (Interim Hospital CEO), and Dr. William Greene of the Department of Medicine. The Town Hall Meeting will take place in the Student Activities Center Auditorium at 4:30 PM.