A Brooklyn Hospital Serves a Local Family

With only one hospital on the peninsula, sometimes folks find healthcare off of it. For one local family, the Zagors, they chose Coney Island Hospital, now known as South Brooklyn Health for their needs. To show their appreciation, Fern Zagor wrote a letter to Mitch Katz, the President and CEO of NYC Health and Hospitals and the CEO, Svetlana Lipyanskaya, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Terence Brady of South Brooklyn Health to show appreciation for a recent visit.

“On October 27, my husband, David Zagor, was hospitalized at Coney Island Hospital for a possible stroke. We want to share with you that the care he received during his stay was exceptional. From the moment the ambulance brought him to the ED, all staff were attentive and actively involved – transport staff, nursing assistants, nurses, PA’s, MD’s – everyone.

We could not get over the level of compassion and thoroughness. My husband received immediate attention and tests were ordered and administered without delay. Every decision that was made, every test that was given, was explained to us and results were clearly discussed. All questions were patiently answered and our concerns were included in every decision. This was truly person-centered and family focused care.

The staff in the ED, including the nurse working with us, I believe Kieyah Williams, was wonderful. We never felt ignored or uncared for. My husband was taken for several tests. The transport staff were friendly and helpful. In fact, one noticed I was cold and found a blanket for me while we were waiting to be transferred to the stroke unit. The bathrooms and the entire ED were exceptionally clean, not what I’m used to in a hospital ED.

Care on the stroke unit was also exceptional. My husband was briefly agitated and confused when he was brought to his bed. When I left, the nurse pulled her portable station up to his bed to stay with him until he was more relaxed. That is truly compassionate and responsive care. The ratio of one nurse for every four patients was extraordinary and truly made a difference.

The doctor on the stroke unit, Dr. Ozga, overseeing my husband’s care was warm, responsive, thoughtful, and thorough. He came into our room as quickly as possible whenever we had a question and carefully and clearly answered our questions. Here again, every decision was made with us, and a follow-up plan included our concerns and needs.

My husband and I have unfortunately been hospitalized on a few occasions at some of the best NY hospitals. have to admit that I had some trepidation when the EMT’s said we were going to Coney Island Hospital. I must now say that this may have been the best hospital experience we have had.

Thank you to all your staff and leadership for the wonderful care received. We will never again hesitate to go to Coney Island Hospital, or any of the NYC Health and Hospital facilities. – Sincerely, Fern Zagor.”

In 2020, SBH became an accredited stroke center by the Joint Commission. The specialized stroke unit has 250 people who actively work in the unit, ranging from emergency attendings, learning residents and specialists such as neurologists.

Additionally, New York City Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health is preparing to open its new state-of-the-art building this spring. Coney Island Hospital is rebranding itself as South Brooklyn Health/Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospital to better reflect the patients it serves — people from all over South Brooklyn, plus the Eastern side of Staten Island and the Rockaways, not just residents of Coney Island. SBH is located at 2601 Ocean Pkwy in Brooklyn.