BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Interfaith Medical Center named a new head of operations to oversee a multi-million dollar initiative to revamp the Bed-Stuy hospital.
John J. Goodwin, a former director at Brookhaven Memorial Medical Center, will serve as Interfaith’s new Vice President of Operations, according to hospital officials.
The new appointment comes as Interfaith tries to rebuild after its 2012 bankruptcy filing, which partially stemmed from two years of reductions in Medicaid reimbursements.
The hospital avoided closure and emerged from financial ruin in June when a judge approved its restructuring plan. The proposal provided state funding to keep the center open.
Goodwin will focus on improving the hospital’s infrastructure, with repairs slated for the Atlantic Avenue building’s roof and replacement scheduled for aging radiology equipment.
“We are confident that Mr. Goodwin will use every resource available to bring Interfaith up to the highest standards, enabling us to provide the best possible care for our patients,” President and CEO Steven Korf said in a statement.
Goodwin joins new hire Doris Lopez, who was recently appointed Vice President of Patient Experience.
Interfaith officials are hoping the developments help draw the community back to the hospital, according to Melanie Cyganowski, Interfaith’s Temporary Operator. The 287-bed facility saw a “tremendous” drop in patients following the bankruptcy case, she added.
In recent months, the hospital has made efforts to bounce back by assembling a new team and making their presence known in neighboring areas with free flu vaccines and other health initiatives.
“It’s nice to be able to tell the community that we’re still there for you and will soon have new improvements,” Cyganowski said.
“It’s a lot that John will tackle, but we’re confident in what he has to bring. We’re excited that we now have the opportunity to fill positions and move forward.”
