Nassau University Medical Center received an anonymous $1 million donation to be used to replace its 15-year-old mammography and bone density scanning equipment.
“The new technology funded by the generosity of an anonymous donor has strengthened NUMC’s ability to provide the highest quality care to our patients,” NuHealth board chairman Stuart Rabinowitz said in a statement on Monday.
The donation will allow the hospital to obtain cutting-edge 3D technology, enhancing its ability to detect breast cancer and bone health — two of the most critical health issues affecting women, according to a statement released by the hospital on Monday. The cost for both pieces of Hologic equipment is still being determined, according to NUMC.
The gift comes at a time of financial turmoil for the hospital, as financial projections earlier this month showed the hospital would lose more than $200 million by 2029 unless significant changes are made.
The hospital’s existing mammography equipment was acquired in 2010 and has reached the end of its serviceable life, the statement said. Hospitals generally replace mammography systems every eight to 10 years, NUMC said.
The systems generate precise and high-resolution 3D images, assisting health care professionals in improving cancer detection accuracy and reducing unnecessary biopsies.
They also feature self-controlled compression for greater patient comfort and allow both screening and biopsy to be performed on the same platform, the hospital said.
The new technology will join NUMC’s Mobile Mammography Unit, which also uses 3D technology to bring cancer screenings into the community.
The donation also will fund a new Hologic Horizon Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry System, which uses low-dose X-rays to accurately measure bone mineral density, evaluate fracture risk and assess body composition, including fat and lean mass, the statement said. The system’s high-resolution imaging and fast output enable precise, efficient and preventive diagnostic care. This will replace NUMC’s outdated system.
“This extraordinary act of generosity will help us detect breast cancer and osteoporosis earlier, treat them more effectively, and save countless lives,” Dr. Richard Becker, NUMC interim CEO, said in a statement. “This is an investment in every woman who entrusts her care to NUMC.”
Last year, more than 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 700,000 lost their lives. About 1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis — with even higher rates among patients from underserved communities who rely on NUMC for care, the statement said.
When breast cancer is found in its earliest stages, treatment is often less invasive and survival rates are higher. Identifying bone loss and osteoporosis early also is vital to maintaining women’s long-term health. Bone density screening is considered standard care, particularly for postmenopausal women, as it directly influences the management of chronic diseases and overall quality of life, the statement said.
The announcement of the donation comes months after former CEO Megan Ryan was fired for allegedly authorizing payouts to herself and other executives of more than $1 million in addition to spending thousands on expensive dinners while the hospital was more than $1 billion in debt.
Hospital officials in August filed a $10 million lawsuit against Ryan alleging malfeasance and financial waste. Ryan also filed a lawsuit against the hospital alleging breach of contract, gender-based pay discrimination, defamation and retaliation.
Newsday reported earlier this month that annual operating losses at NUMC would grow to more than $213 million each year by 2029 without significant changes and would create unsustainable debt.
NUMC is a 530-bed main hospital run by Nassau Health Care Corp, a public benefit corporation.
Maureen Mullarkey is a breaking news reporter at Newsday. She previously worked as a reporter for Patch, where she covered a range of Long Island stories on topics such as the Diocese of Rockville Centre bankruptcy and the Babylon School District abuse scandals.