Listen to this articleEast Meadow-based Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC), a public benefit hospital treating the at-risk population in Nassau County, now has new leadership. The new leadership includes Megan Ryan as the hospital’s president and CEO, a role in which Ryan had served in an interim capacity since January.
Ryan and other appointees were approved to serve in leadership roles by the Board of Directors of Nassau Health Care Corporation (NHCC), which operates NUMC, last week. Ryan previously served as general counsel for NHCC for nearly a decade, according to the organization.
The appointments come at a time of escalating financial challenges in healthcare, including those faced by NUMC, as referenced in a May column by Martin Cantor, an economist. Increasing medical costs, inflation, challenges with Medicaid reimbursement and a reduction in New York State aid have all played a role in the challenges faced by NUMC.
Each year, NHCC said, the hospital delivers $1 billion in healthcare services to more than 270,000 patients, including the uninsured and undocumented. NHCC is pursuing litigation against the state, and Nassau Interim Finance Authority, or NIFA, which assumed financial control over the hospital in 2020, regarding funds it says its entitled to. Meanwhile, state and county officials have been in talks regarding the hospital’s direction going forward, according to published reports.
Yet Ryan said the hospital has made “tremendous progress” this year.
“While some want to mislead the public into thinking the hospital is failing, over the last nine months, we’ve made tremendous progress—from expanding patient services and inaugurating new facilities to dramatically improving our financial position, securing the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and increasing our ratings for the first time in six years,” Ryan said in the news release about the appointments at the hospital.
“It is a testament to the work of our leadership team and the commitment of our more than 3,600 employees, including our talented doctors, nurses, and support staff,” she said. “Together, we are much more than a hospital. We are a beacon of hope, compassion and care for those who need it most. I look forward to continuing that public service to our community and protecting this vital resource for Nassau and beyond.”
NHCC Matthew Bruderman said in the news release that the “nation’s top placement firm, Korn Ferry, made clear that it was in NUMC’s best interest to leverage the institutional knowledge, strong staff relationships and experience of Meg to meet our need for a new president and CEO. In my discussions with the leaders of the other major health systems in the county, they too believed that Meg’s track record and experience were assets that should be leveraged for the benefit of our patients and staff.”
Other appointments include Dr. Grace Ting as chief medical officer, and Shannon Costello as chief nursing officer. Both had been serving in those roles in interim capacities.
Ryan, Bruderman said, “demonstrated an unwavering commitment to this institution and brings to the job a real record of results. I have no doubt she will serve our growing patient population with distinction. While NYS and NIFA work overtime to prevent the progress we’re making here, scheme about power grabs, and cover up their malfeasance, Meg is working to ensure NUMC is saved. Together with Dr. Ting, Chief Nurse Costello and the rest of this team, NUMC is in an outstanding position to serve everyone who needs care.”