Childrens hospital becomes first on Long Island to launch program for pediatric heart transplants: Will save hundreds of lives

This effort is not in vein.A Nassau County children’s hospital has gotten New York state approval to launch Long Island’s first pediatric heart transplant program.The new cardiovascular service at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park — a major Northwell Health facility — is especially critical for the local community.

Experts at the health system found that 55% of New York kids in need of a new hearts are within Cohen’s service area.“This will save the lives of hundreds of Long Island children over the coming years,” Dr.Jake Kleinmahon, the medical director of Cohen’s pediatric heart failure and transplant program, told The Post.“With the opening of our pediatric heart transplant program, the children and families of Long Island, the surrounding communities no longer have to travel into the city to get life-saving care.” The essential procedures will take place at a kid-friendly, state-of-the-art, $110M facility that Cohen’s opened in 2022 with eight operating suites, according to Northwell.Kleinmahon’s team will consist of over 20 additional care providers who are well-versed in heart transplants.“We have assembled a team of experts in pediatric heart transplant from around the country to deliver the highest-quality care for our community,” the doctor said....