By Gina Martinez
NewYork-Presbyterian Queens celebrated the grand opening of its new Therapeutic Medicine Center Monday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The center, which is set to open for patients Wednesday, is designed to serve the adult outpatients receiving intravenous treatment for cancer, anemia and other medical conditions. According to the hospital, the center provides a focused, relaxed and peaceful environment for patients.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony were state Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows), City Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing), NewYork-Presbyterian Queens President Jaclyn Mucaria, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amir Jaffer and Chief Operating Officer Robert Blenderman.
“Cancer care requires much more than treatment and diagnosis,” said Dr. David Fishman, director of the American College of Surgeons-accredited cancer program at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. “Cancer takes a toll on the patient and their loved ones in innumerable ways. By having our own Therapeutic Medicine Center, we can treat the patient’s acute illness and assist in every stage of recovery.”
Patients at the center will receive treatment in private suites instead of shared rooms with several infusion chairs. According to the hospital, the center’s comprehensive patient care includes a multidisciplinary team skilled in spirituality, specialized nursing, nutrition, genetics, palliative care, and supportive care services for both the patient and their families. Other features include an open snack bar, holistic therapies, genetic evaluations, cooking demonstrations and nutrition lectures that are specific to cancer care and treatment.
Mucaria, president of NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, said the center will help doctors focus on the patient and give them a better experience as they fight cancer.
“The addition of the Therapeutic Medicine Center to the hospital allows our doctors and staff to treat patients within our four walls instead of referring them elsewhere,” she said. “It is one of the many ways we are creating a patient-centered approach to cancer care and treatment. Cancer treatment puts a tremendous amount of stress on the patient and their family. We are committed to improving the patient’s experience by providing a more comfortable and convenient setting in the treatment of this disease.”
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
