(L. to r.): Dr. Ramanathan Raju, New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation executive vice president/chief medical officer, Dr. Jasmin Moshirpur, Mount Sinai/Regional Medical Director, Queens Health Network, state Senator John Sabini and Councilmembers Helen Sears and Hiram Monserrate cut the ribbon to open the new Hope Pavilion, a state-of-the-art, comprehensive cancer treatment facility at Elmhurst Hospital Center.

Elmhurst Hospital Center on Thursday, July 31 celebrated the opening of the Hope Pavilion, a new state-of-the-art, comprehensive cancer treatment facility. The $11.6 million project was funded by the City Council through Councilmember Helen Sears, the Office of the Mayor, and municipal bonds. The sixstory, 24,000-square-foot building will house a number of cancer related outpatient clinics and services including chemotherapy, oncology, hematology, and specialized social work services. Elmhurst Hospital's World Trade Center Environmental Healthcare Center and Chest Clinic, which offers treatment to people having health problems as a result of 9/11, will also be housed in the new facility.

"The opening of the Hope Pavilion at Elmhurst Hospital Center represents another stride forward in HHC's $1.2 billion capital program towards providing safe and effective patientcentered care in modern therapeutic settings," city Health and Hospitals Corporation President Alan D. Aviles said. "Only by rebuilding our infrastructure systematically can we ensure that the next generation of New Yorkers will have access to a full range of comprehensive, afford"This facility doesn't have a sign at the door that says 'Insured Patients Only', and as a result the name of the Hope Pavilion is appropriate," Sears commented during her remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony. "No matter who comes here, they will be able to receive cancer treatment in a caring environment that gives them hope—and that's what quality health care is about."

The six-story, 24,000 squarefoot Hope Pavilion will provide state-of- the-art, comprehensive cancer treatment to the surrounding community and will also house Elmhurst Hospital Center's World Trade Center Environmental Healthcare Center and Chest Clinic.

"The Hope Pavilion will allow us to dramatically expand the scope of our cancer treatment services" Elmhurst Hospital Center Executive Director Chris Constantino said. "We will be able to increase the number of chairs available for our chemotherapy patients as well as reduce the waiting time for cancer treatment at Elmhurst Hospital."

The Hope Pavilion, which features bright rooms and comfortable waiting areas, is also designed to offer cancer patients treatment in a more compassionate setting. "Providing health care in a sympathetic environment is an especially important component when treating cancer patients," Constantino noted. "We are caring for patients who are going through tough times, both physically and emotionally, and we'd like them to be as comfortable as possible."

Elmhurst Hospital Center Executive Director Chris Constantino welcomed local elected officials and hospital staff to the new $11.6 million Hope Pavilion cancer treatment center.

Elmhurst Hospital Center is a member of the Queens Health Network, a member of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and is affiliated with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.