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L O C A L N E W S Mount Sinai South Nassau's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and its staff of board-certified gynecologic and urogynecologic sur- geons have earned top recognition from the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the Surgical Review Corporation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. The Center of Excellence program is a quality improvement initiative established to advance minimally invasive gynecology surgery worldwide. Center of Excellence designation requires an extensive review of a hospital's surgical facilities, operations and procedures as well as its staff's education, training and continuous quality improvement efforts. Physicians who earn this designation must meet stringent criteria based on their individual expertise and experience. Northwell Health's Phelps Hospital For the second year in a row, Northwell Health's Phelps Hospital has earned the prestigious 4-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Ser vices (CMS), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser vices. Phelps is the only hospital in Westchester and Rockland counties to receive 4 Stars from CMS. Hospital Compare is a consumer-oriented website that regularly issues ratings of hospitals. It provides information on how well hospitals provide care to their patients, as well as patients' ratings of their satisfaction with the hospital. Information on Hospital Compare website can help consumers make informed decisions about where to go for health care based on nationally accepted performance measures. Phelps, a part of Northwell Health, rated four out five stars. Ratings are based on several components, which include sur vey of patients' experiences, timely and effective care, complications, readmissions, mortality, and value of care. Saint Joseph's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program ribbon cutting Saint Joseph's Medical Center joined with Yonkers officials for the grand opening of the hospital's new physician-supervised outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at its Cardiovascular Center at 530 Yonkers Avenue. Saint Joseph's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program helps patients with heart disease and cardiac conditions recover faster and regain optimal productive lifestyles. There are many benefits to cardiac rehabilitation, including: • Living longer and reducing chances for another heart attack • Controlling heart disease symptoms, such as chest pain or short - ness of breath • Stopping or reversing damage to blood vessels in the heart • Lessening the physical and emotional effects of heart disease • Improving stamina and strength and getting back to daily activities, including work, hobbies, and regular exercise • Improving confidence and well-being (L–R) Ruth Stein, Senior Staff Attorney, LegalHealth; Julie Brandfield, Associate Director, LegalHealth; Larry Levine, President and CEO, Blythedale Children's Hospital; Randye Retkin, Founder and Director, LegalHealth; and Susan Murray, Vice President, Patient/ Family Experience, Clinical Outreach, and Care Coordination, Blythedale Children's Hospital Blythedale Children's Hospital is pleased to announce that it is now partnering with LegalHealth, a division of the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), to provide an on-site legal clinic for the benefit of the Hospital's most vulnerable patient families. LegalHealth has 18 years of experience advocating on behalf of and providing high-quality free legal services to low-income patients and families. LegalHealth currently works with medical professionals at 37 New York hospitals and medical facilities. Blythedale will be its first chil - dren's hospital clinic. Through the establishment of this first-of-its kind medical-legal partnership, Blythedale's social workers, case manag- ers and doctors will be trained to screen cases and refer patients and families who require legal assistance with matters that impact their health and well-being. Elizabeth Seton Children's Center in Yonkers has been awarded two major $250,000 grants to build the nation's first skilled nursing facility for young adults with severe and complex medical conditions. The grants, awarded by the Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation and the Griffin Family Foundation, show that momentum for Elizabeth Seton Children's urgently needed project is growing. The Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation is a Yonkers-based founda - tion created in 1976 by Thomas Carvel, the late founder of the famous ice cream brand Carvel, and his wife, Agnes. It devotes its resources to a variety of projects and programs focusing on children and young adults with disabilities, including hospitals, arts programs, youth and social services, and higher education. 2 0