(February 1, 2007 -- Rockville Centre, NY) - In the latest phase of the expansion and modernization of its facilities, Mercy Medical Center is constructing a new lobby that will provide a single main entrance to the hospital’s central building and the $41-million,
160-bed North Pavilion that opened last year.

When the three-month renovation is completed, the new lobby will provide easier access to the hospital for patients, their families, visitors, and staff in a setting that features terrazzo flooring, designer lighting, art work and other appointments that create an atmosphere of comfort and convenience.

Changes During Construction

During construction, the circular drive in front of the hospital will be closed, along with the pedestrian entrances to the hospital’s central building and North Pavilion. The interim main entrance to the hospital will be at the Ambulatory Surgery entrance, next to the Emergency Department. Signs posted at the entrance to the Medical Center campus will direct patients and visitors to the new entry location and an adjacent driveway available for patient pick-up and drop-off.

Parking for patients and visitors will continue to be available in two lots (#1 and #4) immediately to the right of the entrance to the hospital campus, and also in a lot (#3) in front of the Emergency Department.

About Mercy Medical Center

Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre is a 387-bed, not-for-profit hospital serving the healthcare needs of Nassau County and its surrounding area. Best known for services in maternal health, oncology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, and behavioral health, Mercy is a state-designated Level II Trauma and Stroke Center, site of a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a Bariatric Center of Excellence designated by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, and the regional home of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Mercy is the recipient of the 2007 Orthopedic Care Excellence Award from HealthGrades, marking the third year in a row that the nation’s leading healthcare ratings company has given Mercy’s program its top orthopedics honor.

Founded nearly a century ago by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus, Mercy today has a medical staff of over 800 physicians, more than 2,000 employees and one of Long Island’s newest acute-care hospital facilities, the $41 million, 160-bed North Pavilion housing state-of-the-art technology and the latest features in hospital design to promote patient safety and comfort.
Mercy Medical Center is a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island.
For information and physician referrals call (516) 62-MERCY or visit Mercy on line at http://mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org
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Photo Caption: Artist’s rendering of renovated lobby at Mercy Medical Center. It will provide will provide easier access to the hospital for patients, their families, visitors, and staff in an atmosphere of comfort and convenience.

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For immediate release, contact: Mel Granick
Phone: 516-705-2618
E-Mail: mel.granick@chsli.org