On December 5, 2024, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens marked a significant milestone by celebrating its designation as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety and receiving the prestigious Go Clear Award from the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN).

These accolades underscore the hospital’s unwavering dedication to patient and employee safety through pioneering best practices in perioperative care.

The recognition highlights the facility’s commitment to maintaining a smoke-free environment in its perioperative suites and preventing retained surgical items—two critical aspects of modern surgical safety.

The Go Clear Award acknowledges efforts to eliminate surgical smoke, a hazardous byproduct of some surgical procedures, ensuring healthier conditions for both patients and medical staff.

Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive Dr. Natalia Cineas praised the accomplishment, stating, “This recognition reflects our continuous pursuit of excellence and our promise to deliver safe, high-quality care for our patients.”

The celebration was attended by key leaders from the hospital system, including Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Abbi-Gail Baboolal, Mary Phillip, Director of Perioperative Services, and Sherley Gebara, Associate Executive Director of Nursing, Maternal Child Services. Together with the Perioperative Services staff, they commemorated this remarkable achievement.

Dr. Abbi-Gail Baboolal expressed her pride in the team’s dedication, noting, “This honor showcases the exceptional teamwork and innovative practices that define NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens.”

The dual honors are a testament to the hospital’s ongoing efforts to set new benchmarks in surgical safety and patient care, reinforcing its position as a leader in healthcare excellence.