NYC Councilmember Eugene presents $2.8 M to Kings County Hospital for new PET/CT scanners

February 27, 2015 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

NYC Councilmember Mathieu Eugene on Friday presented a check for $2.8 million to Kings County Hospital Center.

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NYC Councilmember Mathieu Eugene (D-40) on Friday presented a check for $2.8 million to Kings County Hospital Center in East Flatbush, to be used to purchase new high-tech PET/CT and CT scanners.

“I strongly believe that it is very important for the city of New York to support Kings County Hospital Center,” Councilmember Eugene, said in a statement. “We must do everything we can to ensure that this fine institution has the resources it needs to continue saving lives and providing its patients with fine medical treatment.”

Eugene, who represents Kensington, Prospect-Lefferts, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Ditmas Park, part of Crown Heights and other areas, possesses a medical degree from Universidad Del Norte Este in Mexico. He was joined at the presentation by hospital leaders and administrators.

The purchase of the new PET/CT scanner will enable the staff of Kings County’s Radiation Oncology Division to diagnose malignancies and evaluate patient’s response to treatment faster, officials said.

The new CT scanner that is being acquired will be an upgrade on existing equipment in the Adult Emergency Room.

“Kings County Hospital Center is very pleased to receive $2.8 million from the City Council in order to purchase a new PET/CT scanner for the Radiology Department,” Ernest J. Baptiste, executive director of Kings County, said in a statement. “This will enable us to maintain state-of-the-art treatment for our cancer patients so they can receive the quality care they deserve right here in the heart of Brooklyn.”

Shown above: Hon. Latrice Walker, NYS Assembly; Maxi Eugene; Hon. Mathieu Eugene, NYC Council; George M. Proctor, Senior Vice President, North Central Brooklyn Health Network; Ernest J. Baptiste, Executive Director, Kings County Hospital Center; Steven Pulitzer, MD, Chief of Radiology, KCHC; and Jean Aime, Administrator, Radiology Department, KCHC. Photo courtesy of Kings County Hospital

Kings County is one of the most frequently visited medical centers in New York City and is home to one of three trauma centers located in Brooklyn.

Eugene announced the funding at the Central Brooklyn Family Health Network Annual Legislative Breakfast.

The funds were acquired under two appropriations. Eugene sponsored $1 million under one bill, and joined with Council Speaker Mark-Viverito, Health Committee Chair Corey Johnson and Finance Chair Julissa Ferreras to sponsor $1.8 million under another.