Nassau University Unveils Brand New Primary Care Center
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There is now less of a reason for Long Island residents to go to the emergency room.
The Nassau University Medical Center has created an alternative that provides necessary care while reducing costs.
As TV 10/55's Long Island Bureau Chief Richard Rose reported, elected officials cut the ceremonial ribbon Tuesday, officially opening the new $35-million primary care center inside the Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow.
It features large waiting rooms, art deco furnishings, and dozens of health professionals to staff the new digs.
"The area is broken into three areas; women's health, pediatric center, and internal medicine," Dr. Victor Politi, President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center, explained.
The center was able to get state money for the center as part of an effort to cut down on costly emergency room visits.
NUMC's emergency room has become more and more crowded with more than 75,000 patient visits each year.
"If patients just come to the emergency room and get treated for their issues, and then leave, we're not taking care of the problem. Within, 3, 4, 5 days, a week, they're going to be back with another issue," Dr. Politi said.
At the pediatric center, brightly colored murals and crayons offer young children a calming alternative to the chaos of the emergency room. Nelson Uddin's family often endured long waits in the emergency room. For this routine checkup, his two kids enjoyed the comfort of a dedicated patient room.
"Since they made this change, it's been really great. Everything has been really smooth and fast for us," Uddin said.
Inside of the women's center, several staff members helped prepare Lisa Piazza for an ultrasound.
"It's absolutely beautiful. It's my first time here, and I'd definitely love to come back. Well, I wouldn't love to come back," she said.
Piazza can rest easy, since not having to come back repeatedly is the healthy goal.
The new center will also take walk-in patients.
