FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2002

Jamaica, New York, July 29, 2002 - Queens Hospital Center officially opened the doors of its state-of-the-art Cancer Center of Excellence today. The revolutionary new facility is a major component of the new $149 million Queens Hospital Center of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC). The hospital is also a member of the Queens Health Network and an affiliate of Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

"The Queens Cancer Center of Queens Hospital is an important part of our strategy to radically redefine patient care in our hospitals," says Dr. Benjamin K. Chu, President of HHC. "With such superior cancer care services now being offered in Queens, people will no longer have to leave the borough to receive treatment. We expect to draw patients from an entirely new segment of the population and to remain competitive with private and voluntary hospitals."

The arrival of the Queens Cancer Center represents a truly momentous step forward into the 21st century. Unlike anything previously established in Queens, it is the only comprehensive cancer care center in the borough providing a full complement of diagnostic and treatment services for patients coping with the disease. These services include medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecological oncology, and pain management. The Center is headed by Margaret Kemeny, MD, F.A.C.S., the world-renowned surgical oncologist who was recently recognized as one of the leading surgeons in the metropolitan area by both the Castle Connolly Guide of Top Doctors and New York Magazine.

"We at the Queens Health Network are committed to delivering unsurpassed cancer care in an environment characterized by compassion and attention to the dignity of our patients and their families," said Pete Velez, Senior Vice President of the Queens Health Network and Executive Director of Elmhurst Hospital Center. "Our full complement of services begins with cancer prevention and early detection efforts followed by diagnosis, multi-disciplinary planning and treatment as well as rehabilitation and support services. The Queens Cancer Center of Queens Hospital also provides a wide range of support programs designed to treat the patient's overall health. Here they will find personal attention and reassurance in a convenient, localized setting."

The new cancer center has state-of-the-art medical equipment, including a linear accelerator with multileaf collimeter, 3D planning system, IMRT (intensive modulated radiotherapy), Varian Varis record and verify system, and electronic portal imaging, which allows for precise radiation therapy. This progressive technology is combined with the expertise of medical personnel trained in pain management, psychiatry, pastoral care, social work and nutrition.

"For the very first time, Queens County has its own coordinated and fully equipped cancer program," said Antonio D. Martin, Executive Director of Queens Hospital Center. "Our plan is the elevate the level of cancer care by introducing a multifaceted oncology program that is designed to increase the choices of care for the people of Queens. We are fortunate to have such a distinguished physician as Dr. Margaret Kemeny leading the way. As part of her mandate, Dr. Kemeny will conduct research and clinical trials that will be beneficial to the surrounding community."

With the addition to the Cancer Center, the new Queens Hospital now contains three Centers of Excellence in Cancer Care, Women's Health and Diabetes Management. For further information about the Queens Cancer Center or to make an appointment, call 718- 883-HOPE (4673).