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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2004

SCHUMER SECURES ADDITIONAL $200,000 FOR STATEN ISLAND UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Funding Part of the FY 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Emergency Department will be expanded and modernized to serve 500,000 patients

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced Congress will pass an additional $200,000 in federal funding for Staten Island University Hospital. The funding was included in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations portion of the 2005 Omnibus spending bill passed today. The bill now awaits final approval by Congress before heading to the President for his signature.

"With the number of patients visiting Staten Island University Hospital, the expansion of the Emergency Department is a serious priority. Not only will the added space help to save lives, but the improved technological capabilities will make a world of difference to patients in need of critical care," Schumer said. "It is critical we continue to invest in healthcare on every level."

The funding will be used to modernize the Emergency Department at Staten Island University Hospital to improve the hospital's ability to deliver high quality emergency care. Staten Island University Hospital operates two of the three emergency rooms on Staten Island, and the area's only helipad is located there. As a result of these factors, and the growing resident population in Staten Island combined with the number of commuters dependant on these services, this expansion is urgently needed.

Currently, Staten Island University Hospital's Emergency Department which is a Level 1 trauma center, provides services which include managing life threatening conditions, dispensing life saving procedures, and treating medical and surgical emergencies as well as minor injuries and illness.

The plans for the new Emergency Department will include building renovations and the addition of 22,000 square feet. The new department will be able to serve 500,000 people and will include 25 private treatment rooms, two trauma treatment rooms, four isolation rooms, an 18-room urgent care center, triage rooms, a radiology center and an EMS service area. Additionally, every room will be equipped with central monitoring capabilities so that resuscitation can be performed at any time on any patient. The new department will also have a head and neck room with a standard dental chair and dental x-ray capability, an ophthalmology room and gynecological room.

A space will be designated for the treatment of children and will be staffed with pediatric house officers, pediatric emergency nurses and child life specialists. The new expanded facility will offer more efficient and advanced emergency care to patients in need.

Staten Island University Hospital is a not-for-profit 785-bed, tertiary care teaching hospital and located in Staten Island. Founded in 1861, the Hospital today is a member of the North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System.

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