Jamaica Hospital Medical Center -- Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418
For Immediate Release
Name: Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
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Email: info@jamaicahospital.org
Governor Kathy Hochul’s $188 Million Investment in Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jamaica Hospital Set to Transform the Delivery of Cancer Care for Queens Residents
Feb 20,2025
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently surprised a crowd at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with exciting news: the State is investing $188 million to build a comprehensive cancer center, which will be the first of its kind in Queens.
The crowd consisting of leadership from Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center (part of the MediSys Health Network), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), elected officials including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Congressman Gregory Meeks, as well as members of the community, joyfully celebrated the news about the award which will support the provision “of much-needed local oncology services in The World’s Borough,” as emphasized by Queens BP Donovan Richards.
Lack of comprehensive cancer care is a significant unmet need in Queens. Patients are often diagnosed at later stages of cancer, leading to worse outcomes. Populations in Queens have substantial health-related social needs and do not have access to high-quality cancer care.
Jamaica Hospital inaugurated the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, an enhanced oncology program affiliated with the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in April 2024. The center provides high-quality, person-centered, equitable cancer care right here in Queens. "Addressing healthcare inequities by providing quality and accessible care is our top priority, and we have made significant progress through our dedicated efforts. However, operating the center in its current location has always been a short-term solution, as we’ve recognized that more can be done to meet the needs of our community," stated Bruce J. Flanz, MediSys Health Network President and CEO.
Since its opening, the cancer center has cared for thousands of patients, but the demand for its services continues to grow rapidly, as each year, approximately 11,000 residents of Queens are diagnosed with cancer. To combat the increasing cancer rates, the center developed plans to expand the range of services, treatments, and therapies it offers. This initiative received support from various elected officials, as well as healthcare and community leaders.
“Many individuals within our organization, our partners at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and our local elected officials have expressed their confidence in the work we do for our community. We are truly grateful to Governor Hochul for choosing to invest in the development of a comprehensive cancer center at Jamaica Hospital. The ultimate beneficiaries will be the residents of Queens, who will finally gain access to high-quality cancer care close to home," said Flanz
Governor Hochul’s investment will contribute to the development of a comprehensive cancer center housed in a 90,000 sq ft, five-story building equipped with the latest technologies in cancer care. The facility will be a complete reconstruction of the hospital’s former “D” building. The new interior layout will feature an atrium entrance, chemotherapy infusion suites, radiation therapy rooms, imaging rooms with linear accelerators, PET scan, MRI, and CT scan machines, laboratories, and surgical procedure rooms. There will also be a resource center with information on cancer education and research. Furthermore, the center will have areas for complementary therapies such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and yoga, which promote holistic healing for patients receiving cancer treatment.
Receiving this Safety Network Transformation Program grant is a major accomplishment for the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center and a dream realized for the Network’s Chief Medical Officer and Chair of Radiology, Dr. Sabiha Raoof. After self-diagnosing her breast cancer, Dr. Raoof was inspired by her journey of surviving the disease to make a difference. The experience motivated her to collaborate with other hospital leaders to explore ways to vastly improve the quality of cancer care for patients in underserved communities. Together, they envisioned a future where cancer patients, especially those facing socioeconomic challenges, have the same access to top-quality care and resources as others. “I experienced firsthand how complex it is to navigate cancer care,” said Raoof. “Fortunately, I work in an organization that is mission-driven and focused on resolving healthcare disparities. Creating the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center was our solution; it will provide much-needed cancer care for generations to come.”
Achieving the significant milestone of securing funding for Queens’ first comprehensive cancer center is the culmination of hard work and the pursuit of dreams. “I have always lived by the mantra, if you are going to dream, dream big,” shared Flanz. “We are thankful that so many people share our vision of bringing the best healthcare available in the world to Queens.”