Dec. 8, 2023 By Ethan Marshall
New York State Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., paid a visit to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway Tuesday, Dec. 5.
St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and Queens community leaders with NYS DOH Commissioner James McDonald (fifth from right). Photo courtesy of Episcopal Health Services
He was greeted by Queens leaders, as well as leaders from the hospital, and taken on a tour of the hospital’s many locations and amenities. This included a view of the areas currently being rebuilt, like the 11th floor of the hospital, which was damaged by a fire in September 2021. Other stops of the tour included the hospital’s Emergency Department, new Clinical Learning Center and the upcoming Ambulatory Pavilion.
Photo courtesy of Episcopal Health Services
“EHS is grateful to Dr. McDonald and his team for taking time out of their busy schedules to tour St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and other Episcopal Health Services facilities,” Episcopal Health Services CEO Gerard Walsh said. “We are always thankful for the support of our local elected officials and we look forward to a greater partnership with the New York State Department of Health.”
DOH Commissioner McDonald with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Photo courtesy of Episcopal Health Services
Health care in New York and across the country is still in flux in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some health care have dealt with financial troubles since the pandemic. Additionally, New York state has been dealing with a shortage in acute health care workers.
St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer Donald Morrish, MD, with DOH Commissioner McDonald. Photo courtesy of Episcopal Health Services