The needs of the residents of the state of New York and of the county of Erie can best be served by the operation of the Erie County Medical Center healthcare network through a public benefit corporation having the legal, financial, and managerial flexibility to take full advantage of opportunities and challenges presented by the evolving health care environment. In order to accomplish the purposes recited in this section of providing health care services and health facilities for the benefit of the residents of the state of New York and the county of Erie, including persons in need of health care services without the ability to pay, as required by law, a public benefit corporation to be known as the Erie County Medical Center Corporation shall be created to provide such services and facilities and to otherwise carry out such purposes. The creation and operation of the Erie County Medical Center Corporation, as provided in this title, is in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state of New York and of the county of Erie and is a state, county, and public purpose. The exercise by such corporation of the functions, powers, and duties provided in this title constitutes the performance of an essential public and governmental function.