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Health & Fitness

Downstate LICH—Still Your Community Hospital

Take a new look at Long Island College Hospital—now part of the Downstate system. It's still here and serving the community better every day.

I am pleased to introduce myself to you in this first blog. My name is Debra Carey, and I am CEO of the Downstate hospitals.

LICH is the newest member of the Downstate system. I live in the community and am committed to it both as a local resident and as a hospital administrator.

The Carroll Gardens community knows that Long Island College Hospital has had a few difficult years. Its continued existence was in doubt. Downstate Medical Center acquired the hospital—thus ensuring its future as a vital neighborhood resource.  Downstate LICH, as we are now calling the hospital, remains open with all services fully intact. Downstate also has an Urgent Care Center in Bay Ridge, with patients coming exclusively to Downstate LICH when they need care.

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We want you back at Downstate LICH when you or a family member needs emergency or hospital care. Most of the excellent physicians serving this community are affiliated with Downstate LICH. And we pledge: Downstate LICH is fully committed to maternal and child health services.

You don’t have to go out of the neighborhood for care. Our Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments have capacity and will take care of you promptly and with great skill. Downstate LICH is investing millions of dollars in upgrades of medical equipment, including: 

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  • A new CT scan in the Emergency Department
  • State-of-the-art fetal monitoring equipment in the Labor & Delivery Suite
  • Upgraded capabilities in the OB/GYN Ultrasound Unit
  • An upgraded NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), with Board certified neonatologists and new equipment
  • Advanced OB/GYN high-risk capabilities, such as first trimester screening, invasive prenatal diagnoses and fetal echocardiograms

Many of you have used our Emergency Services, which maintain high standards of excellence. Our EMS ambulances are anchored in the community. The Pediatric ER is open 24/7, staffed by Board-certified Pediatric Emergency medicine specialists. Specialty pediatric services, such as Pediatric GI and Pediatric Endocrinology, are returning to Downstate LICH. In short, we’re going back to basics: delivering the excellent medical care you expect, right here in the community in which you reside.

Please give Downstate LICH another look. Our medical experts, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, are always available to speak at community forums such as PTA meetings or neighborhood associations. We’re proud members of the local civic associations and organizations. Visit us at  www.downstate.edu/LICH and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join our email list to be notified of events and screenings. And above all, do not hesitate to reach out to me at debracarey.ceo@downstate.edu. I’ll be happy to address your concerns or accept your suggestions for future blogs. 

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