New-York Presbyterian Queens Hospital Gives a Special Tour

In June, members of the Bukharian Jewish Community were invited to partake in a special presentation at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital (NYPQ). The guests included Chazaq’s Yaniv Meirov and Shabsi Shapirstein; the Alliance of Bukharian American’s (ABA) Adam Suionov and Pesach Osina;  Rabbi Pollak from Congresswoman’s Meng’s office; Sha’rei Tzion’s Rabbi Ribacoff; QJL’s Yakov Serle; and Angela and Larisa Barayev (two women who hope to initiate a Bikur Cholim project in the Bukharian Community). NYPQ is located on 56-45 Main St., and was formerly known as Booth Memorial Hospital. It is now part of the New York-Presbyterian network, and many changes have taken place over the past two years.

Circumstances do not usually allow hospital visits to be pleasant experiences, but those who attended this special presentation were shown how NYPQ is striving to improve all expectations. Bob Blenderman, Chief Operating Officer, presented information about the hospital’s accomplishments, future goals, and commitment to serving this community. He went into details, gave examples, and answered all of the groups’ questions.

David Slotwiner, MD, Chief, Cardiology, advised the group of the hospital’s advanced level of heart care.  He gave a tour of the special facilities and technologies used to service patients from the Bukharian community, and from communities all over NYC. Dr. Slowtwiner also took the time to acquaint the group with the floor, and answered all questions and
concerns. 

The group then learned about the Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit, with a presentation from Michael Lerario, MD, Medical Director, NewYork-Presbyterian Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit (MSTU) Program.  This was an extremely interesting part of the program, because it introduced the group to ground-breaking technology and innovation. Essentially, the MSTU is a modified ambulance, retrofitted with a CAT-Scan, Telemedicine, and team devoted to the operation of all components of this new service. The MSU allows medical staff to diagnose and begin stabilizing stroke patients at record speed without compromising accuracy, drastically improving efficacy of treatment.

The group ended their visit with a look inside the MSTU and a tour of the chapel. Rabbi Yossi Mendelson, the hospital Chaplain, gave the group a thorough tour of all the spiritual accommodations offered by the hospital. He also familiarized the group with NYPQ’s developing amenities for those with religious considerations.

The tour gave the visiting members a very good understanding of the great things taking place at NYPQ. The guests left with an expectation of a high level continuous improvement through further innovation.

By Adam Suionov