Press Release – Medisys Health Network

Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418

For Immediate Release
Name: Xavia Malcolm
Telephone: 718-206-6746
Email: xmalcolm@jhmc.org

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Deploys Medical Staff to Puerto Rico

Oct 20,2017

October 20, 2017 (Jamaica, NY) The MediSys Health Network, comprised of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center will be deploying a team of medical personnel to Puerto Rico to help provide much-needed healthcare services to the areas devastated by Hurricane Maria. Both facilities are the first Queens-based hospitals to send their staff to the island.
 The 20-member volunteer team of largely bi-lingual employees, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and administrators, will be deployed on Tuesday, October 24th. The disaster relief mission will last two weeks and is part of a collaboration that includes the support and coordination of the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), the Hospital Association of New York (HANYS), and the New York State Department of Health.
 As reported, much of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure has been decimated and most of the island’s healthcare facilities have been compromised. The MediSys team will deliver urgent medical care in an extremely difficult situation by supplementing staffing for the ongoing Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) missions or providing assistance to Federal Medical Shelters (FMS).
 When details of the hurricane destruction emerged, Over 100 individuals offered to provide assistance. Additionally, the Network’s Board of Trustees, medical staff and employees set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to support relief efforts. To date, half of that goal has been achieved.
 The MediSys Health network has a long history of providing disaster relief to those in need. Some past relief efforts of the MediSys Health Network include:
 • Hurricane Andrew – Homestead, Florida, 1992
 • Northern Country Ice Storms – Watertown, NY, 1998
 • World Trade Center Attacks (9/11) – New York, NY, 2011
 • Hurricane Katrina –Louisiana & Mississippi, 2005
 • Hurricane Sandy – Far Rockaway, New York, 2012
 According to Bruce J. Flanz, President & Chief Executive Officer of the MediSys Health Network, “It has always been our mission to provide relief to those in need. We believe our experience in responding to disasters and exporting our talents where they can be utilized is something that we are proud to do and will continue to offer whenever it is needed.”
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 MediSys Health Network is the not-for-profit parent organization of the following hospitals— Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center— as well as a network of neighborhood-based family healthcare centers and a long-term rehabilitation facility. The MediSys Health Network also boasts two State-Designated Stroke Centers, one of only 4 Centers for Bioterriorism Preparedness in New York City, a Level 1 Trauma Center, and TJH Medical Services, one of the largest physician groups in New York. For additional information, please contact Public Affairs at 718-206-6020.