Maimonides gets a new lobby for its centennial

When Maimonides Medical Center first opened its doors in 1911,who could have predicted the towering influence the facility wouldhave on the field of medicine? The hospital was the location forthe world’s first mechanical heart implantation in 1966 and thefirst American hospital to use robotic surgery for pediatricpatients in 2001. In 2010, The New York Daily Newsreported that Maimonides had the busiest maternity ward in thestate.

What better way to herald in the next 100 years than with amakeover? On June 15, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Borough PresidentMarty Markowitz and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio joined the staffof Maimonides in celebrating the groundbreaking for a new entrance– an improvement many at the hospital feel is long overdue.

The new lobby is going to showcase the care that’s given at thehospital, explained Barbara Sonmer, vice president of nursing atMaimonides. The care that’s given in the hospital is excellent,but the current lobby doesn’t really show what’s going onupstairs.

When they walk in, they’ll know that they’re in a place thatwill treat them with dignity and respect

According to Maimonides President and CEO, Pamela Brier, the newwelcome area will send a strong message to arriving patients.

When they walk in, they’ll know that they’re in a place thatwill treat them with dignity and respect, Brier said.

Mayor Bloomberg had some strong words of support for Maimonides,calling the new lobby a fitting facelift.Maimonides has reallyplayed a vital role in protecting the health of Brooklynresidents, Bloomberg said.

Zelig Gitelis, director of Flatbush Hatzoloh Volunteer AmbulanceCorps, feels that the new lobby, which will be accessible through a49th Street entrance, will finally reflect the facility’sprestige.Their health care has been excellent and now the façadewill match the level of care, Gitelis said.

Markowitz, who has experienced the services at Maimonidesfirst-hand, was fired up about the hospital’s new waiting room.

The lobby is going to be beautiful and it’s only on theoutside, he said. The inside is superb medical care forBrooklynites, and I know because I’ve been a patient severaltimes.