New Island Hospital in Bethpage has recently installed various new programs, units and services for women.

A state-of-the-art mammography unit is among the new services available at the hospital. This new unit, designed with advanced technology, will provide high quality images, clinical versatility and patient comfort. The unit gives a low dose of radiation to patients and is ergonomically designed to comfort them.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer this system to our patients," said Paul E. Seale, president and CEO of the hospital. "It provides unequalled comfort and unprecedented image quality."

New Island Hospital also has newly remodeled labor, delivery and recovery rooms (LDR's) which offer a "home-like" setting where couples and their families can participate in the whole birth experience in one suite. Since the renovations and upgrades have taken place, the unit also provides private rooms with showers for a comfortable post-partum experience. The hospital has a comprehensive obstetrical department with 24-hour anesthesia and neonatology services. There was also a new infant monitoring security system recently installed, which is designed to create an atmosphere of safety for mothers and their newborns.

The hospital has various women's support programs available, suited to fit the needs of a woman in every stage of her life. For women expecting children, services include a maternity fitness program, prenatal program and lamaze treatment. For mature women at later stages the hospital offers menopausal education support groups. All classes are led by trained professionals and are either free or at nominal costs.

While the hospital has experienced informational strikes and negotiations taking place between executives and nurses in recent months, New Island Hospital is hopeful that any complications will be cleared up by the end of September. A spokesperson for the hospital said that the staff and all parties involved will be resuming talks and negotiations next month, and hope that any continuing issues will be resolved.

In the fall, the hospital will be offering numerous services to area residents, including free prostate screening and flu shots. Anybody who is looking for more information on any of the programs or services currently available may contact the hospital at 579-6000.