BY ROSE ADAMS
First responders and hospital
employees gathered to
celebrate the release of Coney
Island Hospital’s 500th
COVID-19 patient on April 28.
The event marked a milestone
for the city-run hospital,
which has seen a dramatic infl
ux of patients since the beginning
of the pandemic.
“From the fi rst patient with
COVID-19 who came through
our doors until today’s 500th
discharge, our employees
have provided exceptional
care in the midst of an incredibly
diffi cult situation,” said
Svetlana Lipyanskaya, CEO of
NYC Health+Hospitals/Coney
Island.
12 COURIER LIFE, MAY 8-14, 2020
The patient, Stuart Rosenhaus,
is the hospital’s associate
director of emergency
management — which made
the milestone that much more
special for staff. Rosenhaus
had been hospitalized since
April 13 because of COVID-19,
and is expected to complete
his recovery at home.
“I am humbled and honored
by the turnout today by
staff and the FDNY,” he said
upon his release. “I am grateful
to all the staff who played
a role in my recovery and the
great care I received.”
Rosenhaus’ release wasn’t
the fi rst discharge the hospital
celebrated. Whenever a
COVID-19 patient is extubated
Workers at Coney Island Hospital celebrated Stuart Rosenhaus’ release on April 28. Coney Island Hospital
from a ventilator, employees
play Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'”
over the loudspeaker,
and when patients are discharged,
the hospital plays
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow,”
a spokeswoman said.
To mark the 500th release,
dozens of fi rst responders
blared their sirens and benefactors
donated food and protective
gear to the hospital,
Lipyanskaya said.
“From fi rst responder salutes
to an abundance of generous
food and supply donations,
today is a celebration not only
for Coney Island Hospital, but
for the entire south Brooklyn
community,” said Lipyanskaya.
“We wish Stu and all of
our patients well, and hope
that we continue to reunite
more families with their loved
ones.”
As of April 30, 41,648 New
York City residents have been
hospitalized due to COVID-19,
according to city data. An estimated
12,571 have died from
the virus, on top of at least
5,000 more probable novel coronavirus
related deaths.
Marking a
milestone
Coney Island Hosp. discharges
500th COVID-19 patient
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