STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A significant announcement was made during the 143rd Charity Ball of Northwell”s Staten Island University Hospital at the Hilton Garden Inn. Borough President Vito Fossella revealed a $1.3 million investment aimed at enhancing medical technology, which will particularly benefit cardiac surgery, radiology, sleep medicine, and critical care for Staten Island residents.
This investment is part of ongoing efforts to ensure local access to top-tier medical technology. It builds upon previous contributions from Councilmembers Kamillah Hanks and David Carr, who played a role in acquiring a new cardiac bypass system for the hospital. Such initiatives help provide residents with high-quality healthcare options without the need to travel off the island, according to hospital administrators.
“We are giving our residents one more reason to stay on Staten Island for quality health care,” Fossella stated. He highlighted the focused efforts of Dr. Brahim Ardolic, Meagan Sills, and their teams to enhance services, particularly in cardiac care. “We are proud to partner with them to make things better for all of us,” he added.
The introduction of these advanced technologies is expected to improve precision, safety, and overall quality of care across various medical specialties. Heart disease is a major health concern in Staten Island, with cardiovascular mortality rates reaching approximately 232 deaths per 100,000 residents annually, which is one of the highest in New York City. Additionally, hospitalizations for coronary heart disease surpass the state average, underscoring the urgent need for ongoing investment in advanced cardiac care.
With the new equipment, clinicians will be better equipped to detect complications early and facilitate timely interventions, thereby enhancing the hospital”s ability to provide high-acuity, lifesaving care. A new radiation shield has also been introduced to improve safety standards in interventional radiology and cardiac catheterization. Long-term exposure to radiation from procedures can pose serious health risks to medical staff, including cataracts and certain cancers. This innovation significantly reduces exposure, promoting safer practices and improved patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the hospital”s sleep medicine program will benefit from a new wireless sleep system, replacing outdated wired technologies. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, affect about 15 to 20 percent of adults and are often associated with severe health issues like heart disease and high blood pressure. The upgraded system aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort, allowing healthcare providers to identify and treat these hidden conditions before they develop into chronic problems.
“Heart disease and related conditions continue to take a disproportionate toll on Staten Island,” noted Dr. Joseph Basile, vice president and deputy hospital president at SIUH. “These new systems will allow our physicians to work with greater precision and safety, improving outcomes for patients who rely on us for the most complex, lifesaving procedures.”
Meagan Sills, president of SIUH, emphasized that this investment reflects a collective vision for the health future of Staten Island. “Borough President Vito Fossella”s partnership ensures Staten Islanders receive the best tools and technology in modern medicine, right here where they live,” Sills remarked. “From cardiac surgery to sleep medicine, these advancements strengthen our ability to deliver care that is not only lifesaving but life-changing.”
