Dicker said that outreach was always important, and the hospital always looked to meet the needs of the surrounding communities. He said quality care and patient satisfaction were his top priorities. “That’s the essence of what an institution should provide,” he said. “I thought we did the right thing for the community.”

The hospital has been a long-time member of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, a local business and networking organization. “Franklin Hospital is very supportive of the Chamber, through its membership, participating in events and in the past using their facilities to host a networking event,” said Chamber President Debbi Gyulay. “On a personal note, I have friends who are employed at Franklin, family who have received medical care there and my son was born there. Fifty years of service to the community, starting as a small hospital built by a group of doctors, is something to celebrate.”

A family atmosphere

Josephine Quagliata worked at Franklin Hospital until December in the payroll department. Now 90 years old, she remembers the building in its infancy.

She has many positive memories working there, and remembers the teamwork that took place when it first opened. “We were really a family,” she said, “always trying to help each other to put the hospital on its feet.”

Quagliata said she remembers two workers’ strikes at the hospital. She said the non-striking staff members had to pitch in to get a lot of the tasks done, such as feeding patients and washing dishes.

Tullo said that, especially under the hospital’s current leadership, there is a focus on staff morale. Happy staff, she said, translates into happy patients.

“Everybody is treated with respect, no matter what your job is,” she said. “We’re a great place to work. I’m proud to say I work here.”