20 The Queens Courier • DECEMBER 19, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Photos courtesy of Wyckoff Hospital Wyckoff Hospital to see second year of profitability At a recent Wyckoff Medical Heights Center board meeting, ADVERTORIAL officials announced that the hospital is expected to see positive financial margins for this year. Just two years ago the hospital lost more than $16 million and needed a lifeline. But this year administrators are projecting more than $1 million in the black, the second consecutive year the hospital will see profitable returns. There is no doubt that the hospital has turned a new leaf, following years of losses. “You see the troubles that exist at Long Island College Hospital,” said Ramon Rodriguez, CEO of Wyckoff. “It’s humbling to know that at Wyckoff we are working to improve our ability to serve our neighborhoods.” The explanation as to how the hospital has become profitable is because officials reduced overall expenses with contract negotiations of all the doctors at the hospital during the past two years. The hospital lost about 140 employees in that process, some of whom retired, but they added about 150 new physicians to augment those lost. Also, a wider variety of physicians was hired so the hospital can treat more illnesses and perform newer types of surgeries, such as bariatric, laparoscopic and orthopedic surgeries. Now the hospital boasts approximately 1,750 employees, including 250 medical residencies, and treats about 224,000 patients a year. The population of the hospital employees, patients and family members contribute to nearly $1 billion in economic activity to the neighborhood businesses surrounding the hospital, according to Rodriguez. “The shops on Myrtle Avenue and Wyckoff Avenues and all the other streets, almost every hour during the day a Wyckoff staff member goes in there or a family member goes there to buy something,” Rodriguez said. “It is an essential element of the value that the institution brings to Bushwick and Ridgewood.” Wyckoff officials said their goal for the upcoming year is to focus on more community involvement. Recently, administrators have been visiting local community boards to talk directly with residents and community leaders. The hospital has also partnered with local groups including the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizen Council and the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, among others. Rodriguez said next they are going to engage the religious institutions in surrounding neighborhoods. “Next year is a time for cooperation,” Rodriguez said. “We want to work towards what we do well and do it better. Then at the same time make sure we partner with other organizations that do what they do well.” Wyckoff Hospital officials are expecting a second year of profitability. Ramon Rodriguez
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