Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of The Vitals, guest host Raja Flores, MD, joins New York State Senator Michael Gianaris and Mount Sinai Queens President and COO Cameron Hernandez, MD, to celebrate the opening of a new advanced ICU at Mount Sinai Queens in Astoria.
The panel discusses how critical care has grown more complex over the last decade—including expanded services like cardiac catheterization and care for higher-acuity patients—requiring specialized nursing and new technologies.
Sen. Gianaris explains why improving ICU access in Western Queens was a priority and how he secured $6 million in state funding after shifting focus from a proposed bridge project to the ICU.
Dr. Hernandez outlines how the ICU expands capacity from 8 to 21 beds, can surge during future pandemics, adds a procedure room, and improves patient and family experience with single rooms, bathrooms, and sleep space for families.
They also discuss reducing transfers to Manhattan, easing ED boarding, and building trust in local, high-quality care.
00:00 Welcome to The Vitals
01:01 Why ICU Care Evolved
01:59 Queens Healthcare Needs
04:03 Securing State Funding
05:34 Partnership Made It Happen
08:01 Care Closer to Home
10:16 ICU Expansion and COVID
13:09 Inside the New ICU
16:36 Reducing Transfers and ED Boarding
18:43 What We Want Residents to Know
21:25 Final Thanks and Farewell
In this episode of The Vitals, guest host Raja Flores, MD, joins New York State Senator Michael Gianaris and Mount Sinai Queens President and COO Cameron Hernandez, MD, to celebrate the opening of a new advanced ICU at Mount Sinai Queens in Astoria.
The panel discusses how critical care has grown more complex over the last decade—including expanded services like cardiac catheterization and care for higher-acuity patients—requiring specialized nursing and new technologies.
Sen. Gianaris explains why improving ICU access in Western Queens was a priority and how he secured $6 million in state funding after shifting focus from a proposed bridge project to the ICU.
Dr. Hernandez outlines how the ICU expands capacity from 8 to 21 beds, can surge during future pandemics, adds a procedure room, and improves patient and family experience with single rooms, bathrooms, and sleep space for families.
They also discuss reducing transfers to Manhattan, easing ED boarding, and building trust in local, high-quality care.
00:00 Welcome to The Vitals
01:01 Why ICU Care Evolved
01:59 Queens Healthcare Needs
04:03 Securing State Funding
05:34 Partnership Made It Happen
08:01 Care Closer to Home
10:16 ICU Expansion and COVID
13:09 Inside the New ICU
16:36 Reducing Transfers and ED Boarding
18:43 What We Want Residents to Know
21:25 Final Thanks and Farewell
