Look North is a magazine published by the Northwell Health System. This publication features health and wellness information geared toward healthcare consumers in the Long Island and New York City region.
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/854311
"Dr. Hoina has been a huge support system for me," Ms. Longo said. "He told me that the bariatric surgery would help me in so many ways and that my diabetes was just a piece of that. And it's true, my sugar is so much better." "She's a very sweet woman, and she understands the risks of everything," Dr. Hoina said. "If we had thrown in the towel, she would have gone along with having a below-the-knee amputation. But we just kept persevering, and she's walking on both of her legs." During her lengthy treatment and recovery, Ms. Longo moved from Syosset to Ronkonkoma, but she refused to find a medical facility near her home to treat her wound. Instead, she paid for transport to Plainview. "Every week for years I have been going to the Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center at Plainview Hospital because of the doctors and the staff there," she said. "These people probably saved my life, but they absolutely saved my foot and my leg." "You have to go to the right place," Dr. Hoina said. "There's a lot that goes into healing a wound. It's not just one simple thing. But there's hope, there's always hope." For Ms. Longo, completing her care with a team of people who have witnessed her personal story from the beginning is a difficult finality to face. "This has changed my life in a profound way. I have mixed feelings that my treatment is coming to an end. I know everyone's goal is to get better and move on, but they've become part of my life," she said. "I am physically and mentally stronger and for the first time in years have hope and a positive outlook regarding my future. Dr. Hoina and the entire team at the Wound Care Center really saved me. I cry almost every time I see them, I cry for the gratitude I feel." The new lobby at Syosset Hospital appeals to more than just the eye. Changes in layout and functionality mean a more comfortable and productive stay for visitors. When you're at the hospital — perhaps waiting for a loved one to be admitted or taking a break while a family member naps — your life doesn't stop. You may need to catch up on work email, grab a bite to eat or call a relative. Your spirits may need lifting, too. Syosset Hospital's lobby construction, completed last December, aims to make your life easier and more pleasant as you care for a patient in the hospital or wait to be admitted yourself. Even before entering, patients and visitors will notice a new front awning and covered handicapped-accessible ramp. Inside, new elevator cars are faster and larger than their predecessors. The gift shop has been relocated and refurbished, a new coffee shop serves hot food and drink, and a spacious new waiting room seats numerous visitors. Now, while waiting at the hospital, you can: – Stay connected. Beautiful new furniture allows to you wait in comfort. If you need to work, USB accessibility built right into the high-tech furniture allows patients and visitors to charge laptops and other devices. – Have a hot beverage or light meal. For your convenience, a new coffee shop serves food and Starbucks coffee. Open to patients and visitors from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, the coffee shop also serves sandwiches, soups and baked goods. – Hold important conversations in private. For discussions with physicians or other health care providers, a six- cubicle consultation space allows families to hold quiet meetings. "These changes to our front lobby area were in keeping with Northwell Health's continuing focus on hospitality," said Michael Fener, executive director of Plainview and Syosset hospitals. "We also wanted to give our patients and their visitors a greater variety of dining options." Up next: Plainview Hospital Plainview Hospital will soon have a new façade, its first external renovation in several years. Patients, visitors and passers-by will soon notice the soothing, natural look of the terracotta façade. As at Syosset Hospital, an awning installed over the front walkway from the valet area will protect pedestrians from the elements. "We wanted the exterior image to match the top-notch care given inside Plainview Hospital," said Barbara Southard, deputy executive director of Plainview and Syosset hospitals. To learn more about what to expect when you visit Syosset Hospital, look up Northwell.edu and search "Syosset Visitors." comfort and convenience For your northwell.edu 5 Wound care To find a physician near you, call 1-888-321-DOCS.