Calvary Hospital unveils new family care center aimed at bringing comfort to patients and families
The Bronx hospital, founded in 1899, serves more than 6,000 patients annually across all five boroughs and is the nation’s only fully accredited specialty hospital dedicated exclusively to adult palliative care.
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The ribbon was officially cut on Wednesday at a new family care center at Calvary Hospital, as hospital leaders say the renovations are designed to provide comfort and compassion for patients and their loved ones during end-of-life care.
The Bronx hospital, founded in 1899, serves more than 6,000 patients annually across all five boroughs and is the nation’s only fully accredited specialty hospital dedicated exclusively to adult palliative care. Hospital officials say it also cares for 20% of all cancer-related deaths in the New York metro area.
The new family care center includes a redesigned lobby, living room-style suites and a 317-gallon aquarium intended to create a calmer and more peaceful environment for patients and families.
“The patient and the family, they do face end of life here at Calvary,” Jeff Menkes, chair of the Calvary hospital board, said during the ceremony. “And the sensitivity has to begin from the moment you walk in the door.”
Hospital leaders said the renovations are focused not only on patient care, but also on supporting loved ones emotionally and spiritually.
“We have patients we’re caring for upstairs, but we’re caring for the emotions and the spiritual of the patients’ families,” said Michael Fosina, the President of Calvary Hospital.
A blessing ceremony for the new space was led by Father Chris Devron, who previously served as president of Fordham Preparatory School.
“We ask for your blessing upon this new lobby and family center at Calvary Hospital,” Devron said during the ceremony.
The new center also features the “Compatior” statue — Latin for “to suffer with” — symbolizing the hospital’s mission of compassion and support for families facing difficult moments.
Hospital leaders said the goal of the renovations is simple: helping patients and families find comfort, dignity and compassion during life’s most challenging times.
