By Alex Christodoulides
Elmhurst Hospital Center formally opened its new comprehensive cancer center, the Hope Pavilion, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.
The six-story, 24,000-square-foot building at 77-11 Broadway in Elmhurst, in the same block as the hospital, will be home to a range of cancer-related outpatient clinics and services, including chemotherapy, oncology, hematology and specialized social work services.
“The Hope Pavilion will allow us to dramatically expand the scope of our cancer treatment services,” said Elmhurst Hospital Center Executive Director Chris Constantino. “We will be able to increase the number of chairs available for our chemotherapy patients as well as reduce the waiting time for cancer treatment at Elmhurst.”
The $11.6 million project, funded through the City Council through City Councilwoman Helen Sears' (D-Jackson Heights) office, the mayor's office and municipal bonds, is part of the city Health and Hospitals Corporation's plan to update facilities citywide.
“The opening of the Hope Pavilion at Elmhurst Hospital Center represents another stride forward in HHC's $1.2 billion capital program toward providing safe and effective patient-centered care in modern therapeutic settings, HHC President Alan Aviles said.
“Only by rebuilding our infrastructure systematically can we ensure that the next generation of New Yorkers will have access to a full range of comprehensive, affordable services in our public hospital system,” he said.
The new building features bright rooms and comfortable patient waiting areas, and is designed to offer treatment in a compassionate setting.
“This facility doesn't have a sign at the door that says 'Insured Patients Only,' and as a result, the name of the Hope Pavilion is appropriate,” Sears said at the ceremony. “No matter who comes here, they will be able to receive cancer treatment in a caring environment that gives them hope — and that's what quality health care is about.”
Reach reporter Alex Christodoulides by e-mail at achristodoulides@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 155.
