Allegations regarding financial mismanagement by former leaders at Nassau University Medical Center have become a hot topic in the Nassau County District Attorney’s race, with candidates trading barbs about accountability and oversight.
Democratic challenger Nicole Aloise has brought the issue to light, calling out Republican incumbent DA Anne Donnelly for not pursuing a thorough investigation into former CEO Meg Ryan and other officials during a press conference outside the Nassau County Courthouse.
Aloise highlighted a $1,000 dinner billed to the hospital and raised concerns over allegations involving Ryan, which include $3.5 million in questionable payments and issues related to 12 employees, as well as bizarre claims about incidents at the home of NUMC Chair Matthew Bruderman.
Aloise urged Donnelly to take these matters seriously and investigate the actions of Ryan, stating, “After nearly four years in office, it’s time for Anne Donnelly to address these blatant public corruption issues in county government.”
In a show of solidarity, other county council members held a press conference in Mineola, asking federal authorities to step in since local action seemed lacking.
“NUMC is meant to save lives—not to fund lavish dinners or provide perks for the politically connected,” said Delia Deriggi-Whitton, the Congressional minority leader. “This ongoing abuse seriously undermines public trust, and we are committed to ensuring accountability.”
Nassau County police continue to investigate the break-in at Bruderman’s home but have yet to announce any arrests or significant updates. Bruderman mentioned that documents related to the hospital, which were linked to a firing, were found by an unidentified couple prior to their dismissal.
When Donnelly was asked for a statement, she mentioned that an investigation into NUMC’s past management began in June. However, Aloise expressed skepticism, suggesting the investigation is merely superficial, pointing out that Ryan had contributed thousands to Donnelly’s campaign and questioning whether real resources are dedicated to the case.
“Donnelly’s actions, including accepting donations from someone under investigation, raise serious questions about her integrity and commitment to a thorough inquiry,” Aloise claimed.
Campaign finance records indicate that Ryan contributed to Donnelly’s campaign in 2023, two years ahead of the DA’s office launching an investigation into NUMC.
Ryan, who was terminated “for cause” in May, has denied any wrongdoing and filed a lawsuit against the hospital, labeling the allegations against her a “political hit job.”
She asserted, “The claims of inappropriate actions are merely attempts to distract from the Medicaid corruption currently being investigated by Congress, as well as the questionable non-bid contracts approved under Governor Hochul’s new appointee.”
Nassau’s only safety-net hospital, NUMC, is grappling with over $1 billion in debt and is under audit by Deloitte. The audit accuses Ryan’s team of facilitating illegally awarded contracts after recent restructuring of the hospital’s board by state legislators.
