Long Beach Medical Center reopening delayed

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“We’re in the process of testing and calibrating the equipment,” Player said. “The hospital completed most of the work necessary to reopen its emergency department. Pending its reopening will be approval by the Nassau County Fire Marshal and New York State Health Department.”

Player was reluctant to give a new reopening date until the necessary work and inspections are completed.

“We anticipate that the work will be completed by the end of this week — approximately 90 percent of the terminal cleaning has been completed, and testing has started with a hygienist for air and surface quality,” Player said. “The next step then is for the Fire Marshal to survey it and the Department of Health to give their approval. It’s hard for us to give a hard and fast date until they do what they have to do.”

The storm caused $56 million in damage, and though FEMA typically picks up 75 percent of such costs while the state and hospital would each pay 12.5 percent, CEO Doug Melzer said he is hoping that FEMA kicks in a larger percentage — 90 percent — to help the facility reopen.

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