NYU Langone Hospital Marks 10 Years Since Lutheran Merger

On January 7, 2024, NYU Langone Hospital celebrated a significant milestone: the ten-year anniversary of its merger with the former Lutheran Medical Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The festive event featured food trucks, goodie bags, and purple merchandise, paying tribute to the dedicated doctors, nurses, clinical staff, and patients who have contributed to the hospital’s success over the past decade.

Dr. Bret J. Rudy, MD, the executive vice president and chief of hospital operations at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, emphasized the institution’s commitment to enhancing quality and safety while ensuring that residents of Brooklyn have access to world-class healthcare. “Every investment and improvement we’ve made has been guided by what will best serve our patients and our community,” Rudy stated.

Over the last ten years, the hospital has achieved remarkable improvements in patient outcomes. The mortality rate at NYU Langone—Brooklyn is among the lowest in the borough and across the United States. Since the merger, the hospital has focused on enhancing quality, safety, and coordinated care for all patients, particularly those with complex health needs.

Transformative Impact on Healthcare Access

More than 80% of the hospital’s discharged patients are covered by Medicaid or Medicare, populations that often face barriers to accessing high-quality healthcare. The hospital’s initiatives have led to a reduction in average length of stay and readmissions, positioning it as one of New York City’s top-performing hospitals in terms of quality and patient safety. A study published in JAMA Network Open in 2022 reported a 33% decline in the mortality rate of hospitalized patients since the merger.

NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn has also expanded its procedural and surgical volumes, increasing surgeries by over 20% while maintaining an on-time start rate above 90%. The hospital now offers advanced specialty care, including comprehensive oncology services at its Perlmutter Cancer Center—Sunset Park, advanced cardiac and surgical programs, a Level 1 Trauma Center, and a Comprehensive Stroke Center. These enhancements are part of a broader strategy to minimize the need for patients to travel outside Brooklyn for specialized care.

In recognition of its nursing excellence, NYU Langone became the first hospital in Brooklyn to receive Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This accolade highlights the hospital’s commitment to high standards in nursing practice and patient outcomes.

A Personal Success Story

For Brooklyn resident Idiatou Diallo, the improvements at NYU Langone Hospital were life-saving. After struggling with persistent pain and swelling and receiving misdiagnoses from various healthcare providers, Diallo’s brother advised her to visit NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn’s Emergency Department. She was promptly evaluated and underwent comprehensive testing, which revealed advanced-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Following her diagnosis, Diallo began chemotherapy at the Perlmutter Cancer Center—Sunset Park under the care of Dr. Oscar B. Lahoud, the chief medical officer of NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. “Everything moved quickly, and everyone took my situation seriously,” Diallo noted. “I want more people to know that this level of care is available right here in Brooklyn.”

Dr. Lahoud emphasized the importance of coordinated care and early intervention for cancer patients. His approach includes working closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that all aspects of treatment are seamlessly integrated. Patient navigators at the cancer center assist in managing appointments, imaging, testing, and the transition between inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive support throughout their treatment journey.

“Since joining NYU Langone, my vision has always been to bring advanced and innovative care to Brooklyn, so patients never have to leave the borough for treatment,” Dr. Lahoud stated.

Diallo has been in remission for over a year and continues to attend regular follow-up visits. Although she occasionally experiences fatigue from her treatment, she has returned to many of her daily activities and maintains a close relationship with the medical team that supported her through her journey. “Dr. Lahoud and the team at NYU Langone gave me hope when I didn’t have any,” she said. “From the first day of chemotherapy, the nurses explained everything and made me feel comfortable and supported. I never felt like I was facing this alone.”

As NYU Langone Hospital looks to the future, its commitment to providing exceptional healthcare to the Brooklyn community remains steadfast.