By Howard Koplowitz
The parent company of the Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Hills is opening a new Comprehensive Care Management Center on 37th Avenue in Flushing.
The announcement was revealed during the Tietz Center’s legislative breakfast last Thursday, where elected officials heaped praise on the facility during the breakfast held by the center to thank the politicians for their work.
David Friedman, senior director of special projects at the Tietz Center, said the new facility is a managed care insurance program where a patient’s health care is monitored and provides day-care activities.
About a dozen elected officials commended the Jamaica Hills center during the breakfast, which preceded a toast with cider.
Linda Spiegel, director of public affairs at Tietz, said the nursing and rehab center provides “an amazing amount of services.”
“We’re doing a bang-up job here,” she said.
Michael Fassler, noted Tietz recently finished renovations and has all single-bedded rooms, something considered a luxury at nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.
“What’s so special about Margaret Tietz is the people,” Fassler said.
Fassler also noted that Beth Abraham, Tietz’s parent, is opening a new Comprehensive Care Management Center on 37th Avenue in Flushing near the old Social Security building.
Speaking to the elected officials, Fassler said, “We look forward to working with everybody this coming year.’”
Crystal Feng, an aide to city Comptroller John Liu, presented a proclamation to the center and called it “a great asset to the community.”
City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) said when she used to be Borough President Helen Marshall’s deputy, there was always someone who would recommend Margaret Tietz as a place to go.
“The reputation of Margaret Tietz speaks for itself,” she said.
City Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) praised the Tietz Center along with state Assembly members Nettie Mayersohn (D-Flushing), Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) and Grace Meng (D-Flushing), whose grandfather was recently treated there.
New Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) said: “I want to be an ally for everyone in this room, especially because of the budget process.”
Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Hollis) said it was important for the center not to be subject to budget cuts and suggested the facility give him and other legislators budget information they could take to Albany.
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) said the center was not included in his old City Council district, but he has visited the facility before.
“I’ve always heard good things about this facility,” he said. “We’re going to fight to make sure that the cuts, if they have to come, don’t affect patient services,” he said.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
