This Queens Hospital Has Discharged Over 120 Coronavirus Patients

FAR ROCKAWAY, QUEENS — St. John's Episcopal Hospital has treated and discharged more than 120 patients with COVID-19, the name for the disease caused by the new coronavirus, within the past month, hospital officials said Tuesday.

The Far Rockaway hospital has tackled the pandemic by raising its capacity from 257 beds to more than 326 beds and introducing a telehealth system to enable patients to consult with doctors using a computer, tablet or phone.

Staffers also created negative pressure rooms to prevent the spread of the virus, converted existing beds to ICU beds, turned its outpatient specialty services practice into an inpatient unit, hired more staff and bought additional protective equipment and ventilators.

“We work hard to ensure that we are as prepared as possible to treat each COVID-19 patient, and have made significant investments to see that our patients achieve positive health,” Chief Medical Officer Donald Morrish said. “When we are able to successfully discharge a person, it brings us great joy, and also shows that there are people who have overcome COVID-19.”

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St. John's workers have been on the frontlines of the pandemic since logging the borough's first case of the virus at the beginning of March.

It is the only hospital on the Rockaway peninsula, which is among the communities that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 700 people have tested positive for the virus in Far Rockaway as of Sunday, with the rest of the peninsula accounting for several hundred more cases, according to city data.

City health officials have advised New Yorkers to only call 911 or go to the ER in the event of a true medical emergency, like not being able to breathe. Anyone experiencing symptoms of the new coronavirus — which include fever, shortness of breath and a cough — should first call their doctor or the 311 hotline for instructions.

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