State Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith Brings $600,000 In Funding To Support Far Rockaway Hospital

(New York, NY)- Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith presented a $600,000 capital funding allocation to Peninsula Hospital Center for the Hospital Center’s new Cancer Center and specifically, the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment to enhance the services provided by its radiation oncology department.

“Cancer patients can now receive the quality health care they deserve close to home, with the $600,000 funding allocation I have secured for Peninsula Hospital Center to acquire new medical equipment to aid in their battle against cancer,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith. “This money will allow Peninsula Hospital Center to continue providing treatment that will extend and improve quality of life for people under their care.”

“We are extremely grateful for Senator Smith’s efforts on behalf of Peninsula Hospital Center,” said Robert V. Levine, President and Chief Executive Officer for Peninsula Hospital Center. “In response to community needs, the Hospital Center is expanding its Cancer Care Center and this $600,000 will enable us to bring exceptional cancer care to so many here in the Rockaways and surrounding communities – close to home.”

“Peninsula Hospital provides outstanding medical care to our community.  This funding will allow Peninsula Health Care Center to continue their tradition of quality services with state of the art technology,” said Assembly member Audrey Pheffer.

Peninsula Hospital Center, now celebrating its 102nd year, will use the funds for one of its “Century Projects” that includes the purchase of a new linear accelerator, and CT Simulator. The linear accelerator is technology that provides pin-point radiation treatment to shrink cancer tumors, and works with the CT Simulator as a planning guide for the oncologist. Senator Smith’s funding will allow Peninsula Hospital Center to remain at the forefront of medical care and cancer treatment, and be the sole provider of such cutting edge technology in the community.

Cancer is a leading killer in the Rockaways, second only to heart disease. The DOH reports the rates of breast, lung and colorectal cancers in the Rockaways as higher than the New York City average.  More than 50% of the cancer cases diagnosed annually throughout the Rockaways are late stage detections, higher than in New York City and New York State.
“Cancer patients on the Rockaways will be relieved of the burden of having to make the exhaustive, costly trip for treatment elsewhere off the peninsula now that Peninsula Hospital Center can make the necessary upgrades for continued quality health care,” said Senate President Smith.

Peninsula Hospital Center, which serves a primary care shortage area, operates a 173-bed acute care community teaching hospital campus encompassing a 200-bed long-term care and rehabilitation center, Peninsula Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation.