White Plains Hospital Physicians Explain the Benefits of New Hospital Expansion

PURCHASE, NY – Leading physicians from White Plains Hospital (WPH) visited Broadview at Purchase College, a university-based retirement community, on January 27 to discuss the hospital’s significant expansion and its commitment to high-quality care for older adults.

The event was attended by 70 Broadview residents eager to learn about the evolving healthcare landscape in Westchester County.

The presentation highlighted WPH’s rapid growth, including a plan to expand from 292 to 436 beds through the construction of two new pavilions on Maple Avenue in White Plains. As the provider of the busiest Emergency Department (ED) in the county—managing approximately 240 patients daily—the hospital is prioritizing access and efficiency. Despite a 50% increase in volume over 15 years, WPH maintains an average wait time of just 16 minutes to see a provider,’’ said Dr. Dean Straff, chief of the hospital’s emergency department.

“Quality is our North Star,” said White Plains Hospital Chief Medical Officer Michael Palumbo, MD, FACS, noting the hospital’s five-star rating from CMS and its 14th consecutive “A” grade from the Leapfrog Group. He said the hospital has been awarded a Silver-level geriatric emergency department accreditation, which focuses on fall risks, delirium screening, and dedicated care management.

Physicians specializing in cardiology and neurology shared insights into life-saving advancements. Dr. Gregory Pontone, director of Cardiology, discussed innovative, catheter-based structural heart procedures that offer less-invasive alternatives to open-heart surgery, allowing older patients with complex conditions to recover faster. Dr. Rafael Ortiz, director of neurosciences, detailed the growth of the hospital’s neurology program, including its pursuit of Comprehensive Stroke Center designation—the highest level of stroke care certification.

The program concluded with a practical demonstration on how to input emergency medical information into iPhones, ensuring ED staff can access vital data instantly during a crisis.

Healthy Living Tips for Seniors

To help residents maintain their health and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits, White Plains Hospital physicians recommend the following:

• Monitor Modifiable Risk Factors: Keep a close watch on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar (diabetes), as these are the primary drivers of heart disease and stroke.
• Know the Early Signs: Do not ignore symptoms like sudden numbness, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath. Timely intervention is critical for heart and brain health.
• Stay Active and Balanced: Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity to reduce the risk of falls and cardiovascular events.
• Prepare Your Tech: Ensure your “Medical ID” is set up on your smartphone so first responders can view your allergies, medications, and emergency contacts without needing your passcode.

About Broadview

Broadview Senior Living is a university retirement community located on the Purchase College, SUNY campus in Purchase, New York, a part of Westchester County. The design for Broadview hinges on lifelong learning and collaboration, as residents can audit courses and attend performances, lectures, events, and more, all on the Purchase College campus. Broadview is comprised for 220 living apartments and villas for seniors ages 62 and older. It  offers assisted living apartments and memory care suites on-site. For more information, visit https://broadviewseniorliving.org/.

About Life Care Services®

Life Care Services, an LCS Company, has the experience required to boost community financial performance, increase occupancy, and develop new lifestyle and health initiatives to meet consumer expectations and help communities thrive. With a long track record of excellence, Life Care Services sets itself apart from other senior living companies with its unique, comprehensive portfolio of support services. Life Care Services is the nation’s second-largest operator of senior living communities and has expertise in the management of both Life Plan and Rental communities. From independent living to assisted living, skilled nursing to memory care, at Life Care Services, Experience Is Everything. For more information, visit lifecareservicesLCS.com.