St. Francis Provides Comfort and Care to NYC Resident Fighting COVID

 

Anthony Medigo was vacationing in Montauk when he suddenly developed flu-like symptoms. Concerned that he might have COVID, the fully-vaccinated New York City resident purchased an at-home testing kit which revealed a positive result.

He initially considered going to a local hospital, but as his condition worsened, he sought treatment from a place he trusted and one that had previously provided quality care to his family. Anthony made the three-hour drive to St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center® in Roslyn.

“I have seen firsthand the high-level of care St. Francis offers,” he said. “The expertise from doctors such as Catholic Health and St. Francis Hospital’s Chairman of Cardiology Dr. Richard Shlofmitz is something that is well known. That’s why I wanted to go to St. Francis.”

Upon arriving at the hospital’s Emergency Department, Anthony knew he had made the right decision. He initially thought he would receive monoclonal antibodies to treat the virus and be sent home a few hours later. However, his condition grew progressively worse.

“When I was sitting in the ED, I was freezing and the nurses did everything they could to make me feel as comfortable as possible,” he said. “I was admitted and given oxygen and was amazed at how calm and caring everyone was. Those treating me were focused on helping me get better from a life-threatening disease. Their selflessness and compassion were amazing.”

After a six-day stay at St. Francis, Anthony recovered and headed home. Today, he is feeling well and has resumed his normal daily activities, which include running.

“When I took my first jog after leaving the hospital, it felt great,” he said. “I know my ability to return to exercising has everything to do with the treatment I received at St. Francis.”

St. Francis’s Emergency Department has been further enhanced recently. The hospital finished an expansion project that offers additional clinical areas, streamlining the time from door-to-provider and optimizing the discharge process. The renovation includes 4 new treatment bays and 11 observation bays in 5,600 square feet of space. There is now more than 16,500 square feet of space and 25 total rooms dedicated to emergency care at the hospital.