GLEN COVE, NY -- Glen Cove Hospital today celebrated the opening of the Diamond Presurgical Testing Suite (PST), thanks to a generous donation from Esther Sue Diamond, a resident of Lattingtown. The new facility, conveniently located on the ground floor, near the lobby and the Emergency Department, was named in honor of Ms. Diamond’s late husband, Bruce, to whom she was married for 33 years. Joining Ms. Diamond in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the occasion were her friends and family, hospital employees, staff of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, including Richard Goldstein, the health system’s chairman of the board of trustees, and Kevin Dwyer, chief development officer of the North Shore-LIJ Health System Foundation.

“We are grateful to Sue Diamond for her generous gift that has allowed us to relocate and build a brand new, modern presurgical testing facility, which will benefit patients in our community for years to come,” said Dennis Connors, the hospital’s executive director. “Previously the facility was located on the third floor. The new site makes it easier for patients to access services, especially orthopedic surgical patients and others who may have had difficulty navigating the building.”

The state-of-the-art PST includes a modern reception and waiting area, three exam rooms, new bathrooms, and an anesthesia office.

Ms. Diamond, an associate trustee of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, has always been committed to helping others. From her previous career as a nurse to her active role as an animal rescuer, she makes a positive impact in communities locally and abroad.

“I want to make the world a better place,” said Ms. Diamond, who also funds educational expenses for underprivileged vetinerary students in China, supports children in Africa and creates jewelry used by nonprofits for fundraising purposes.

Presurgical testing is an essential and busy component of the hospital’s services, with Glen Cove’s surgeons performing over 6,000 procedures a year.

Patients scheduled for surgery need to visit presurgical testing about a week before their procedure for a variety of tests and exams. At PST, patients are seen by a nurse practitioner who takes a medical and social history and conducts a thorough physical exam. Tests may also be taken including blood work, an X-ray, and an electrocardiogram, to evaluate heart health. The nurse practitioner takes a careful inventory of any medications patients take, so drugs will be given properly in the hospital. Specific instructions are also given in advance about how to clean the site on the body where surgery will be performed. Patients also meet with a member of the anesthesiology care team to discuss options for anesthesia prior to surgery.

“The new facility provides many benefits to our patients,” said Stephanie Russo, RN, director of perioperative services at Glen Cove Hospital. “Thanks to the efficient design of the new space, most tests and exams will take place in the patient’s exam room, a more convenient and comfortable process for patients.”

Earlier this year, when Ms. Diamond made the selfless decision to donate to the hospital that serves her local community, she said, “Making people happy is the best possible way I can honor my husband.”

Media Contact: Betty Olt
(516) 465-2645