Community activists and hospital officials came out to an open forum Monday to discuss ways to keep Bronx hospitals open.

According to city officials, some of the borough?s hospitals are in danger of closing. Officials say a new initiative by Governor Pataki (R-NY) called the Berger Commission will evaluate a hospital?s needs and either reconfigure or close it. The City Council says the initiative was launched because New York?s hospitals are suffering financially.

The city held the forum to give residents a voice and an opportunity to share why their hospitals should stay open. In May, the City Council?s hospital task force will present the community?s suggestions and opinions to the Berger Commission. Members of the commission will make recommendations by the end of the year.