By Rebecca Henely
Mount Sinai Queens Hospital in Astoria just turned 13, but at its anniversary party last Thursday Executive Director Caryn Schwab said the hospital did not see any bad luck ahead.
“I think we have so much to look forward to together,” Schwab said.
The hospital, at 30th Avenue and Crescent Street, held its annual birthday celebration in its Annex Courtyard on Crescent Street. The hospital has been in the community since 1999, replacing Astoria General Hospital, which Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan bought.
In an annual tradition, Mount Sinai Queens recognized certain employees for their exceptional contributions at the anniversary. About 100 people attended, including employees and community leaders, and honorees received a plaque, a bouquet of flowers and a check.
Schwab said Mount Sinai Queens measures the quality of its care in large part by how the patients are treated.
“I want you to say, ‘This could be me or this could be a member of my family,’” Schwab told the employees.
Those recognized included Ward Clerk Deborah Guthrie-Aarons, who won Employee of the Year; Nurse Cristina Bayne, who won Freshman of the Year; Vice President of Nursing Perceverada Marmol, who won the Service Excellence Award; Food and Nutrition Services Director Chester Ostrowski, who won Manager of the Year; the rehabilitation medicine department, which won Team of the Year; and Dr. Roxanna Jimenez, who won Physician of the Year.
“I’m really surprised because I’m really a pain in the neck,” Jimenez said of her selection.
Her colleagues called her an excellent physician whose diligence about her patients’ well-being resulted in her being nominated by the social work staff, even though Jimenez does not work in that department.
Other honorees gave kudos to their employees in accepting their awards.
“This hospital is not just a bunch of people working together,” Bayne said. “It’s really a family.”
The sentiments were echoed by Ostrowski.
“They say if you like your job, you’re good at it,” he said. “Well, I love my job.”
Schwab said the hospital has some improvements in the works, including new fire alarms and a new call system for the nurses as well as some modernized rooms. It is also preparing for the outcome of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the constitutionality of some parts of the Affordable Care Act, and are eager to meet the challenges whether or not the act is upheld.
“We have no intention of being left behind,” Schwab said.
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
