Massive Shake-Up at Good Samaritan Hospital: Community Shocked as Beloved Leader Dr. Mary Leahy Announces Retirement Amid Major Layoffs

Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern has recently undergone a significant restructuring, leaving the Rockland County community reeling. Alongside the announcement of Dr. Mary Leahy’s early retirement in 2025, nearly two dozen employees, many with long-standing roles, were let go without prior notice. This decision, part of a broader restructuring by the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), has drawn frustration and disappointment from Rockland residents who relied on the hospital’s services and its personal connection to the community.

For Sarah Weiss, a local resident, the departure of Dr. Leahy is especially difficult. “She was a constant support, someone you could trust to go the extra mile for her patients,” Weiss shared. Similarly, Miriam Greenbaum expressed worry over the community’s loss of a compassionate advocate. “Losing Dr. Leahy is a huge blow. She understood what it meant to make healthcare accessible and welcoming,” she said.

The terminations, which began on November 5, reportedly affected corporate and administrative positions, including senior roles in marketing, IT, and philanthropy. Sources close to the matter revealed that laid-off employees were summoned to meetings with HR and promptly asked to leave, with many expressing shock at the abruptness of the process. “These individuals were the backbone of the hospital, with deep connections to the community,” a source told Monsey Scoop

WMCHealth confirmed the layoffs in a statement, explaining that they were part of a restructuring effort designed to streamline the network’s regional operations. The statement emphasized the need for a “more efficient operating structure” to enhance the long-term health of the network’s hospitals, including Good Samaritan, St. Anthony’s Community Hospital in Warwick, and Bon Secours in Port Jervis.

The health network also reassured the public that patient-facing positions were unaffected. However, the impact of the administrative cuts has left many community members questioning the future of local services, particularly given the hospital’s history of engaging with and supporting the Rockland community.

This restructuring comes on the heels of a recent downgrade in Westchester Medical Center’s financial rating by Moody’s Investors Service, due to weakened liquidity and reliance on short-term credit. This financial strain has spurred leadership to make “difficult decisions” to ensure stability.

Dr. Leahy’s impending retirement marks the end of a notable era. Since her appointment as CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System in 2013, she has been instrumental in advancing healthcare in Rockland County. Her leadership not only expanded the Bon Secours Medical Group but also facilitated a major partnership with Westchester Medical Center in 2015, leading to significant improvements in clinical services.

As the community grapples with these sudden changes, WMCHealth is navigating an era of transition, preparing for a future led by new leadership at both Good Samaritan and the broader network level. The board has already initiated a national search for a successor to Michael Israel, WMCHealth’s longtime CEO, who will retire in late 2025.

While the hospital’s path forward remains uncertain, Rockland residents continue to voice their concerns and hope for stability. As Greenbaum expressed, “With Dr. Leahy in charge Good Samaritan has always felt like more than just a hospital; it’s been part of our community  .”