Mount Sinai South Nassau’s emergency department in Long Beach reopened Friday, five days after it closed due to nursing staff shortages that resulted from New York State’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate.
The facility was originally expected to be closed for several weeks, but resumed operations after less than one week after state Department of Health officials stepped in.
“As your Governor, I will ensure the state does everything we can to alleviate the stress on hospitals and emergency care facilities,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “So health care facilities, please continue to alert us when you are struggling.”
MSSN’s free-standing emergency medical facility in Long Beach, which opened in 2015, serves the barrier island. The Long Beach emergency department gets about 10,000 visits annually, with most patients being treated on site without needing to be transferred to the main Oceanside campus, hospital officials said.
“We are grateful for the support we received from so many individuals to make this happen and re-open for our community,” said MSSN President Dr. Ahhi Sharma.
Local leaders were elated.
“The important truth that our barrier island cannot not afford to have this vital community asset shuttered meant that all parties had to come together to solve this issue and put residents first,” said state Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach). As a Long Beach resident and parent, having a full-time emergency room in our community is essential.”
-With Briana Bonfiglio
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