New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has vetoed legislation that would block plans to move a child psychiatric center to the campus of an existing adult mental health facility in Buffalo.
Opponents say operating a mental health facility for children near one that houses adults could put young patients at risk. Cuomo says those claims are without merit, and that the move will improve mental health care in western New York. The state has already invested $5 million in the new building.
Lawmakers voted unanimously earlier this year to halt the move and keep the child psychiatric center in suburban Buffalo a stand-alone facility.
Cuomo, a Democrat, vetoed the legislation Wednesday.
He said concerns about patient safety are meritless, noting that the children's facility will be separated from the adult hospital.
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