NEW YORK, NY November 29, 2006 —Closing hospitals is about as popular a move as shutting fire stations. But a state commission says people are living in a fool’s paradise, if they think having an aging, struggling hospital nearby will help improve their healthcare. Fewer, more financially stable hospitals could do the job better and cost taxpayers less, according to the commission, which made its recommendations yesterday.

Critics say that the size and number of facilities aren’t the issue, and that community needs should be addressed first. WNYC’s Fred Mogul has more.