Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) is embarking on a transformative journey in 2025 under the leadership of new CEO and President Megan Ryan. Following a year of significant improvements and reforms in 2024, NUMC is poised to address the challenges of Long Island’s growing, older, and increasingly diverse patient population. The institution’s recent achievements set the stage for even greater advancements in the coming year. With a robust focus on patient safety, financial stability, and community engagement, NUMC is well-positioned to lead Long Island’s healthcare into a new era of excellence and innovation.
Commitment to Patient Safety and Quality Care
In 2024, NUMC earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, reflecting its unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care. This prestigious accolade underscores the hospital’s focus on quality healthcare delivery and patient safety. Additionally, NUMC saw its Leapfrog safety rating improve for the first time in over six years, further highlighting its dedication to maintaining high standards in patient care. These achievements are emblematic of a renewed focus on providing a safe and effective healthcare environment for all patients, setting the bar higher for the coming year.
One of the notable advancements in 2024 was the opening of a new MRI facility equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology. This facility enhances diagnostic accuracy and speed, providing patients with better care. The construction of a new catheterization lab is also underway, indicating NUMC’s investment in advanced medical infrastructure. Furthermore, the hospital relocated its outpatient adult mental health services to a renovated and safer space within NUMC, ensuring a better environment for mental health care. These developments mark significant milestones in NUMC’s journey toward modernized healthcare delivery, ultimately benefiting the Long Island community.
Expanding Preventative and Specialized Services
Looking ahead to 2025, NUMC plans to launch a new mobile mammography center. This center, replacing a 20-year-old vehicle, will feature a spacious, state-of-the-art screening environment, bringing early detection services to thousands of women across Nassau. This initiative reflects NUMC’s commitment to preventative care and addressing the needs of the community, particularly in the area of women’s health. By enhancing access to crucial screening services, NUMC aims to significantly impact early cancer detection rates, ultimately saving more lives through timely intervention.
NUMC’s dedication to expanding services is evident in its increased offerings to the public. The hospital has extended hours for pediatrics, women’s health, physical therapy, and general medicine, ensuring that more patients have access to essential healthcare services. The opening of a new colorectal screening clinic provides lifesaving early detection services for colon cancer, a disease that affects more than 150,000 people in the U.S. annually. Additionally, the new Reflux Clinic addresses persistent heartburn and other stomach conditions, further diversifying the specialized care available at NUMC. These expanded services demonstrate NUMC’s commitment to meeting the comprehensive healthcare needs of Long Island residents.
Leading the Region in Unique Care Options
The hospital continues to lead the region in providing unique care options. NUMC offers specialized services such as hyperbaric medicine, a dedicated burn unit, and a water birthing suite, which are not widely available in the region. By offering these specialized services, NUMC addresses critical gaps in regional healthcare, ensuring that patients can access the unique treatments they need without having to travel far. As a teaching hospital, NUMC trains the next generation of healthcare professionals while maintaining a strong focus on community-centered care. This dual role allows NUMC to remain at the cutting edge of medical advances and foster a new wave of skilled healthcare providers dedicated to serving their community.
In the fall of 2024, NUMC opened a new community engagement office, aimed at improving communication with patients and addressing the changing needs of all residents, regardless of their status or ability to pay. This office ensures that NUMC remains responsive to the community it serves and adapts to meet evolving healthcare demands. By fostering a more inclusive and communicative environment, NUMC strengthens its relationship with the community, ensuring that healthcare solutions are tailored to the specific needs and concerns of the Long Island populace.
Financial Health and Strategic Reforms
Financially, NUMC achieved remarkable results in 2024. Despite facing misinformation from multiple sources, including NIFA Chairman Richard Kessel, Albany players, and Newsday, the hospital implemented strategic reforms that significantly improved its financial health. The introduction of a new CFO, a revised charge master pricing list, updated billing software, and the creation of the hospital’s first annual budget in years contributed to reducing the projected deficit by over $100 million. NUMC concluded 2024 with more than $84 million in cash on hand, marking a 600% increase compared to the previous year. These financial accomplishments provide a solid foundation for NUMC’s continued transformation and growth.
These financial achievements enable the hospital to reinvest in critical areas such as care, technology, and infrastructure, thereby enhancing its ability to provide quality care and ensuring long-term financial stability. Despite not receiving the critical aid legally entitled from New York State and facing an illegal Medicaid scheme costing nearly $50 million annually, NUMC remains steadfast in its mission to provide care regardless of patients’ ability to pay. Lawsuits have been filed to expose corruption and secure the necessary aid for Nassau’s most at-risk residents. This persistent advocacy underscores NUMC’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its community while fighting for the resources needed to sustain its mission.
Leadership and Future Plans
Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) is stepping into a promising new chapter in 2025, guided by newly appointed CEO and President Megan Ryan. The past year, 2024, was marked by substantial improvements and reforms that have laid a solid foundation for addressing the needs of Long Island’s growing, aging, and increasingly diverse patient community. Recent achievements in enhancing patient safety, financial stability, and community outreach have set the stage for even greater progress. Under Ryan’s leadership, NUMC is dedicated to continuing this upward trajectory, with a strong emphasis on delivering top-quality healthcare services. The institution aims to become a beacon of excellence and innovation, ensuring that it not only meets but exceeds the evolving healthcare needs of its population. With a clear vision and strategic approach, NUMC is poised to lead the way in providing exceptional medical care and fostering a healthier community on Long Island.
