At the recent Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Public Meeting held on June 17, 2025, Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, addressed a dedicated assembly of community members, staff, and board members at NYC Health + Hospitals/Sea View. Expressing gratitude for the robust turnout, Dr. Katz emphasized the commitment of NYC Health + Hospitals to expand access to quality health care, regardless of patients’ ability to pay or immigration status.
The meeting was an essential platform for discussing the accomplishments and challenges faced by the healthcare system. Dr. Katz highlighted several significant achievements over the past year. NYC Health + Hospitals has made commendable strides in staffing, having onboarded over 3,600 new union nurses since March 2023. This effort has not only improved patient care but has also reduced reliance on agency nurses.
Housing for Health, an initiative designed to provide stable living arrangements for patients, has housed over 375 individuals in the previous year alone, contributing to a total of 1,200 since its inception. This demonstrates the system’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health—a core element of its mission.
In addition to these programs, all 11 hospitals under NYC Health + Hospitals received recognition from U.S. News & World Report, affirming them as some of the best hospitals for equity in access. Notably, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst was acknowledged as a “Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access.” Meanwhile, Sea View was celebrated as New York City’s top nursing home, receiving accolades for its long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services.
The commitment to LGBTQ+ health care access received special mention, with all 18 eligible facilities achieving the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation. This indicates a strong drive to provide inclusive and equitable care to marginalized populations.
The annual meeting also stressed the importance of behavioral health services, with plans for a comprehensive three-year expansion funded by a $41 million state investment. The system has introduced a Lifestyle Medicine Program, extended its reach with 20 new wellness rooms for staff, and established a podcast called “The Remedy,” which aims to address various health-related topics, including pandemic preparedness.
Focusing on Staten Island, NYC Health + Hospitals/Sea View stood out for its remarkable achievements in patient care. Consistently earning five-star ratings from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Sea View ranks among the top ten percent of nursing homes in the nation. Additionally, it has maintained a stellar Press Ganey satisfaction score of 99.23, an indicator of its commitment to patient safety and satisfaction.
Sea View is also expanding its community outreach through volunteer programs that engage local schools and veteran organizations, as well as developing partnerships with the College of Staten Island for student clinical rotations in nursing and social work. This initiative fosters a career pipeline for New Yorkers, crucial for sustaining high-quality public health services in the community.
Gotham Health at Vanderbilt, another vital facility on Staten Island, demonstrated its dedication to customer service and community health through new partnerships and programs aimed at improving asthma care and expanding substance use treatment options. The site was recognized for its achievements in managing chronic conditions, such as blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
However, staffing remains a challenge across the system. As noted by Dr. Katz, discussions with nursing unions regarding sick leave policies and appropriate use of leave time are underway. The healthcare system remains committed to ensuring a supportive work environment and maintaining standards for patient care.
As the meeting progressed, Dr. Katz emphasized the significance of community engagement, urging attendees to voice their concerns and suggestions. Understanding that patient and community input is vital for shaping the future of the healthcare system, he reaffirmed that NYC Health + Hospitals is dedicated to creating a transparent dialogue.
This annual meeting encapsulated the essence of NYC Health + Hospitals’ mission—not only to provide excellent healthcare services but to weave health equity, community involvement, and sustainability into the very fabric of its operations. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the responsibilities and challenges will be met with a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the needs of all New Yorkers.
In closing, as NYC Health + Hospitals moves forward, the commitment to listening and responding to the needs of the community will remain at the forefront, reinforcing the system’s position as a foundational element of public health in New York City. The role of community members, advocates, and healthcare professionals is indispensable in this journey. Through collective effort, NYC Health + Hospitals aims to continue its trajectory of improving health outcomes for all residents, ensuring that each voice is heard and valued in the process.
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