June 18, 2020 – Yesterday, 51 year old Staten Islander Brian Volpini was discharged from Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) after recovering from COVID-19. Admitted on April 20, Volpini spent over 40 days on a ventilator to help him breathe while his body fought against the virus.
“Brian is one of those cases that shows why as doctors we never give up,” said Jay Nfonoyim, MD, vice chair of medicine. “We just kept saying there will be a light at the end of Brian’s tunnel and we will not give up on him. When you see him finally going home it validates why we do what we do.”
Volpini was admitted by ambulance to Richmond University Medical Center on April 20 and placed almost immediately on a ventilator to assist his breathing. From the time he was admitted to his discharge on June 17, Volpini spent his entire admission in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under the direct care of Dr. Nfonoyim. Volpini was discharged to a nearby rehabilitation center on Staten Island to continue his recovery. As Volpini left, staff from RUMC’s ICU applauded and cheered their miracle patient, wishing him well on his continued recovery.
As of June 18, Richmond University Medical Center has treated and discharged over 1,180 COVID-19 patients. Earlier this month, the hospital opened its comprehensive Post COVID-19 Care Center at 288 Kissel Avenue. The center features a team of multi-disciplinary experts in pulmonary care, cardiology, infectious disease, psychiatry, behavioral health, physiatry and additional areas of healthcare to assist recovering COVID-19 patients with their short-term and long-term healthcare needs. A specific pediatric program involving similar sub-specialists is also available at the center for children recovering from COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).
To view video of Brian Volpini’s discharge, click here.
Not to Media: At Mr. Volpini’s request, he has requested no media contact and will not schedule any interviews so he can continue his recovery. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
Patient Brian Volpini with RUMC nurses Lisa Yeno, RN; and Rosalie Roccanova, RN.
