Submitted by
Gerry Clare
Barbara Fuller
There is a lot happening at Baptist Medical Center – Nassau according to Stephen Lee, Hospital President. In addition to the new artwork adorning the halls for patients and visitors to admire, there is ongoing pet therapy and music therapy.
The new Berkman Building renovation was done in 2010 which redid patient rooms and expanded ICU as well. The hospital is working with Island Art Association to maintain the new art which also is for sale and replaced as needed on a six month rotating basis. The current exhibit is already hung and there will be an official reception for the artwork on October 25th from 5 to 7 p.m.
More therapy for patients, Bentley, a friendly Shitsu, is trained to provide pet therapy to those patients who are receptive and there are plans afoot to add two more dogs by the end of the year.
However, since good hospital food is always a plus, Baptist Nassau is looking into providing room service menus for the 54 patient rooms in the next six months. Not only will patients be able to pick from a menu, but they also will, hopefully, be able to have their meals delivered on demand or when they wish to have them within reason.
After a recent stay in the donated Berkman wing, this reporter was extremely impressed by the rooms, the nursing staff, the cleaning staff and the cheerful food delivery, as well as the permanent art collection in these halls.
I was told by Lee, Patricia Hanaer (Finance) and Barbara Gingher (Head of Nursing),that 
the hospital standards are pretty high and that is why this hospital has twice received the Magnet Hospital recognition (in 2008 and 2012). Only 7% of the country’s hospitals have qualified for this award. It is based on meeting these standards and all staff is aware and cooperates in meeting them.
Plans for the future include a new three story medical building, and renovation of the emergency department and maternity and delivery wards.
60 Minutes on CBS recently spotlighted one of the largest contemporary art exhibits at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, but it looks like Nassau County is right up date on that score. As I left the building, the courtesy shuttle service picked me up as I limped to the parking lot…another fine service for patients, I might add.
October 2, 2012 5:30 p.m.