Stony Brook Medicine Updates Long Island Elected Officials on Ebola Preparedness

Stony Brook Medicine Updates Long Island Elected Officials on Ebola Preparedness

STONY BROOK, NY, OCTOBER 24, 2014— Leadership from Stony Brook Medicine briefed Long Island elected officials yesterday on the hospital’s readiness to combat Ebola. As one of eight hospitals designated statewide by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to treat potential patients who are infected with Ebola, Stony Brook University Hospital is playing a crucial role as a leader in New York State regarding this pivotal public health issue.

Elected Officials and their staff listened to Reuven Pasternak, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Stony Brook University Hospital, and other key members of the Stony Brook Ebola Preparedness Task Force during a meeting at the Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University. Dr. Pasternak provided details on the hospital’s effective screening and treatment protocols as well as the stringent standards for training hospital staff. 

“Engaging our elected officials in this preparedness process is crucial to ensuring clear communication, community awareness and public safety,” said Dr. Pasternak. “We commit ourselves to continuing to provide the best care and protection for our patients, staff and community.”

“We are fortunate to live in a community that has so many extraordinary healthcare professionals whose courage and capability have and will continue to protect the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors,” said Assemblyman Steve Englebright. “Today we learned that Stony Brook University Hospital is well ahead of the curve of being prepared for Ebola or any other infectious disease.”

Stony Brook University has a comprehensive plan in place to treat a patient showing possible symptoms of Ebola. Our initial triage process has been made even more robust to move quickly on patients suspected of having the disease. Rooms have been identified for the treatment of patients suspected or confirmed to have Ebola. Emergency Department, intensivists and ICU-trained nurses have all been trained, and training and drills will continue throughout the hospital and out-patient facilities as the outbreak in Africa continues and the threat to the United Stated remains.

For more information on Stony Brook University Hospital’s Ebola preparedness, please visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/Ebola

Reuven Pasternak, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Stony Brook University Hospital speaks with Long Island elected officials during an informational briefing at Stony Brook University