Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella announced a significant investment of $1.3 million in advanced medical technology during the 143rd Charity Ball for Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). This funding aims to enhance critical health services, including cardiac surgery, radiology, sleep medicine, and critical care for local residents.
The announcement was made at the Hilton Garden Inn, where Fossella highlighted the importance of the investment in ensuring that Staten Islanders have access to top-tier medical care without the need to travel to other facilities. This commitment builds upon prior support from Councilmembers Kamillah Hanks and David Carr, who previously helped fund the hospital’s new cardiac bypass system. Together, these efforts are designed to elevate the quality of healthcare available in Staten Island.
Addressing Health Challenges
“We are giving our residents one more reason to stay on Staten Island for quality health care,” Fossella stated. He praised the hospital’s leadership, including Dr. Brahim Ardolic and Meagan Sills, for their dedication to improving health services, particularly in cardiology. The new investment aims to enhance the precision, safety, and quality of care across multiple medical specialties.
Heart disease remains a critical health challenge for Staten Island, with cardiovascular mortality rates significantly higher than the rest of New York City. Approximately 232 deaths per 100,000 residents occur each year due to heart-related issues, making the need for advanced cardiac care urgent. Hospitalization rates for coronary heart disease also exceed state averages, underscoring the necessity of continued investment in healthcare solutions.
With the new technologies, clinicians will be better equipped to detect complications early and facilitate faster interventions, which is crucial for providing high-acuity, lifesaving care. Among the advancements is a cutting-edge radiation shield that sets a new standard for safety in interventional radiology and cardiac catheterization. By significantly reducing long-term radiation exposure for medical staff, the shield helps prevent potential health risks associated with fluoroscopic procedures.
Innovations in Sleep Medicine
Additionally, a new sleep system machine is set to transform SIUH’s sleep medicine program. This upgrade replaces outdated wired systems with a modern, wireless platform designed to improve patient comfort and diagnostic accuracy. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, affect an estimated 15 to 20 percent of adults and are frequently associated with serious health conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure.
“Heart disease and related conditions continue to take a disproportionate toll on Staten Island,” said Dr. Joseph Basile, vice president and deputy hospital president at SIUH. He emphasized that these new systems will enable physicians to work with greater precision and safety, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Meagan Sills, president of SIUH, expressed her appreciation for Fossella’s partnership. “Borough President Vito Fossella’s investment ensures Staten Islanders receive the best tools and technology in modern medicine, right here where they live,” Sills stated. “From cardiac surgery to sleep medicine, these advancements strengthen our ability to deliver care that is not only lifesaving but life changing.”
The financial commitment from Fossella is expected to have a lasting impact on healthcare access and quality for Staten Island residents, ensuring they receive the necessary medical attention in their own community.
