Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center Partners with St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center to Open New Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

November 20, 2006 - As part of a plan to bring an array of high-quality cardiac services to the surrounding community, Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center has entered into a partnership with St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center, to create a state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. The facility is set to open in 2007.

The partnership leverages St. Francis Hospital,s considerable expertise in cardiovascular care. St. Francis physicians perform more cardiac surgical and interventional procedures than any other Hospital in New York State, and they have been consistently recognized for their quality of care.

Thomas Ockers, President and CEO of Brookhaven Memorial Hospital said, “This is an exciting step forward in state-of the-art Cardiac care for our Medical Center and especially for the community we serve. As a level II Trauma Center, the only trauma facility on Suffolk County,s East End, we have a growing responsibility and obligation to care for the needs of these growing communities. Demographic studies tell us that the most significant growth in population will occur in the 55-year and older sector. This population has an ever-greater need for Cardiac services and this new initiative allows us to meet this need with the highest-quality cardiac services possible.”

Cardiac catheterization is an essential tool for diagnosing and guiding the treatment of heart disease. It enables cardiologists to visualize and assess the condition of the coronary arteries, and it provides vital information for treating blockages that can restrict blood flow to the heart.

The agreement between the two hospitals calls for St. Francis to provide advice and guidance on policies and procedures and on the training of medical personnel.

“We are pleased to be able to share our expertise with Brookhaven in this important undertaking,” said Alan D. Guerci, M.D., President and CEO of St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center. “The new Cath Lab promises to be a significant benefit to residents in the area.”

About St. Francis Hospital

St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center is New York State,s only specialty designated cardiac center and is the busiest heart center in the Northeast. A recognized leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiac disease, St. Francis Hospital performs more cardiac surgery and interventional cardiac procedures than any other hospital in New York State. A leader in cardiovascular care for more than 50 years, St. Francis Hospital is a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island (CHSLI). Contact us at 1.888.HEART.NY or visit us at www.stfrancisheartcenter.com.

About Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center

Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center is a full-service 321 bed acute care, voluntary not-for-profit community hospital located in East Patchogue, New York. This year the hospital celebrated “50 years of caring”. Our Medical Center is designated as a Level II Trauma Center. Brookhaven,s expansive service area includes Oakdale to Eastport and north to the Coram/Middle Island border. Contact us at 631-654-7100 or visit us on the web at www.brookhavenhospital.org.