STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Richmond University Medical Center announced Friday that it will reopen its doors to visitors for the first time since March after reaching a COVID-19 milestone.
Dr. Daniel Messina, RUMC’s president and CEO, said the hospital had no new admissions and no deaths related to the virus over the past day, describing that fact as victory on many fronts.
“It’s a combination of our community following the precautions set by our federal, state and local health agencies to control the spread, and the tremendous actions of our frontline physicians, nurses and professionals who continue to redefine the definition of ‘dedication,’ ‘commitment,’ and ‘hero’ every day,” Messina said.
The hospital joined a pilot program Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that initially did not feature either Staten Island hospital. A spokesman for Staten Island University Hospital said its two campuses had not yet been added to the program.
The two-week pilot program will launch Tuesday with time-limited visits along with required coronavirus screening, temperature checks and personal protective equipment.
“Being able to visit loved ones in the hospital is a vital part of the recovery process for both the patient and their families,” Messina said. “We are thankful to the governor and the state for their continued partnership and for including our hospital in this program. Our inclusion is an opportunity for our hospital to provide input that will shape statewide policy.”
*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***
SIUH reached its own milestone Sunday after it had no new admissions for COVID-19 to either its Ocean Breeze or Prince’s Bay campuses. It was the first time in two months it did not record such an admission, according to a press release from the hospital.
On Friday, SIUH Executive Director Dr. Brahim Ardolic described the Prince’s Bay campus as “COVID contained,” and said that all patients with the coronavirus will be admitted to the Ocean Breeze site going forward.
Ardolic said the hospital is preparing for when it can resume elective surgeries at the Prince’s Bay campus.
“A few weeks ago it seemed like this was 100 years away,'' Ardolic said. "But we’re here now and it’s exciting. This is a big step for us.”