Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2012  

Metropolitan Hospital Center Celebrates Grand Opening of New Pediatric Inpatient Unit

Dorothy Johnson, Head Nurse, cuts the ribbon for the Metropolitan Hospital new pediatric unit. She was joined by, L to R, Gregory A. Atwater, Deputy Exec. Dir.; Meryl Weinberg, Exec. Dir.; Lillian Diaz, Chief Nurse Exec.; Lynda D. Curtis, HHC Sr. VP; Dr. Sarla Inamdar, Chief of Pediatrics; Hector Mazara, Sr. Assoc. Dir.,Capital Design; Dr. Richard K. Stone, Medical Director.

New York, NY - Metropolitan Hospital Center today announced the grand opening of its new, $3.2 million  Pediatric Inpatient Unit, which integrates the highest quality medical care for children with  a beautiful, nurturing environment that fosters patient safety and healthy recovery.  Alan Muraoka, who plays the proprietor of  "Hooper’s Store" on "Sesame Street," was the Master of Ceremonies at the special event.

"Metropolitan’s new inpatient unit is the successful realization of our wish to provide our youngest patients with the most beautiful surroundings possible," said Meryl Weinberg, BSN, MA, Executive Director of Metropolitan Hospital Center. "Our children and their families are receiving the highest quality medical care in a setting that clearly demonstrates our commitment to their health and well being."

Metropolitan Hospital provides comprehensive care to thousands of newborns, infants, children and adolescents through its inpatient and ambulatory care services. The new 7,500-square-foot Pediatric Inpatient Unit accommodates 14 patients and each of the eight bedrooms has the latest in high-tech medical equipment as well as a flat screen television and its own bathroom and shower facilities. The centerpiece of the unit is a sparkling new playroom equipped with a spectacular, 250-gallon saltwater aquarium.

The space conforms to American Institute of Architects guidelines and was designed to provide a child-friendly environment with an emphasis on patient safety. It replaces a unit that was originally opened in 1955 and had become antiquated.

"Our goal is to provide a bit of joy and happiness in the lives of our patients," added Ms. Weinberg.

Dorothy Johnson, RN, who is head nurse of the pediatric unit and has worked in Metropolitan’s Pediatric Services since 1978, cut the ribbon at the entrance to the new space. Also participating in the event was Lynda D. Curtis, Senior Vice President of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) and its South Manhattan Healthcare Network. Metropolitan Hospital Center is a member facility of HHC. They were joined by Jenny Morgenthau, Executive Director of the Fresh Air Fund, who announced the kickoff for registration of the organization’s popular summer programs.

Funding for the $3.2 million renovation project was provided by a New York State HEAL grant, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, and the Metropolitan Hospital Center Auxiliary.

More than 1,300 babies were delivered at Metropolitan Hospital Center in 2011. The hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Service has more than 30,000 visits annually, including well baby care, preventive care, a Children’s Asthma Program, nutrition counseling services and adolescent medicine services.

Contact: Ian Michaels (HHC) (212) 788-3339

About Gouverneur

Gouverneur provides primary and specialty outpatient care through its Diagnostic and Treatment Center (D&TC) and residential care for the elderly and infirmed in its Nursing Facility (NF). As such, Gouverneur serves a diverse population that includes vulnerable young and old, who are likely to be indigent, uninsured or receiving public assistance. A majority of those seeking care are members of ethnic minorities such as Asian, Hispanic or African-American.

Gouverneur’s D&TC is the largest freestanding D&TC in New York, providing more than 300,000 visits per year. The D&TC patient population is approximately 75% Asian or Hispanic. Special programs targeted to underserved/minorities include the Asian Bicultural Program for culturally sensitive mental health services and the Roberto Clemente Center for mental health and primary care services for Hispanic individuals.

The D&TC provides a comprehensive array of on-site services, including dentistry, podiatry, optometry, psychiatry, radiology, infections disease, and other specialties and sub-specialties. Therapy services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and audiology, and vocational rehabilitation. On-site services available to nursing home residents include a clinical laboratory, pharmacy, podiatry, respiratory therapy, patient activities, social work, and imaging center with digital ultrasound and mammography.

About HHC

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is a $6.7 billion integrated healthcare delivery system with its own 420,000 member health plan, MetroPlus, and is the largest municipal healthcare organization in the country. HHC serves 1.4 million New Yorkers every year and more than 475,000 are uninsured. HHC provides medical, mental health and substance abuse services through its 11 acute care hospitals, four skilled nursing facilities, six large diagnostic and treatment centers and more than 70 community based clinics. HHC Health and Home Care also provides in-home services for New Yorkers. HHC was the 2008 recipient of the National Quality Forum and The Joint Commission's John M. Eisenberg Award for Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/hhc or find us on facebook.com/nycHHC or twitter.com/HHCnyc.