Northwell Health is expanding its pediatrics program in Suffolk County. The health system announced on Wednesday that it is opening Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pediatric Surgery at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore.
Now, a team of nine pediatric general surgeons from Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park are on staff at the Bay Shore hospital.
Leading the team is Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick, the new chief of pediatric surgery at SSUH. Fitzpatrick is the former surgeon in chief at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and is a U.S. Air Force veteran. She brings over 20 years of pediatric surgical experience.
Fitzpatrick is joined by Dr. Naina Bagrodia, who was recruited to Northwell after completing a Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Fellowship at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital and a fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Cohen Children’s. Bagrodia will serve as the co-director of Northwell’s Chest Wall Deformity Center.
In addition to performing elective pediatric surgical procedures at South Shore University Hospital, the surgical team will support emergency care at the facility. One particular focus is 24/7 on-site surgical consultation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
“Now, families can find specialized care for their children right in Bay Shore, eliminating the need for additional travel,” Dr. Charles Schleien, senior vice president of Cohen Children’s Medical Center and Pediatric Services, said in a written statement. “Our commitment to enhancing local healthcare ensures that every child receives the best treatment close to home.”
Outpatient offices are open throughout the week in Suffolk, with expanded office hours at Northwell’s Smithtown and Bay Shore pediatric locations.
“Northwell Health is proud to expand its pediatrics program in Suffolk County, solidifying our commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare for children in the community,” Dr. Jose Prince, vice president of Pediatric Surgical Services at Northwell, said in a written statement. “This strategic growth not only broadens our footprint but also ensures that families have enhanced access to specialized pediatric care, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being of our youngest patients.”
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