Peninsula hospital poised for Revival

The sunset appears to be reversing for Peninsula Hospital Center, the financially strapped hospital and nursing home. On Sept. 2, the Brooklyn-based Revival Home Care announced its intention to manage the 173-bed facility, one of only two hospitals on the Rockaway peninsula.
Last month, the hospital experienced its lowest point, as the state turned ambulances away form its emergency room until the hospital had a financial plan for its $60 million debt. Narrowing down its search to three organizations, the hospital’s board of directors announced on Sept. 1 that revival would be its new owner with COO Todd Miller responsible for Peninsula’s financial restructuring. “We look forward to being able to continue the outstanding work already being done at the hospital,” Miller said in a statement.
Even as nearby St. John’s Episcopal Hospital received approval from the state to expand its emergency room, workers at Peninsula plastered Beach Channel Drive with flyers reminding residents that the hospital is fully operating under its new owner with full support from 1199 SEIU, the union representing its 800 person workforce.
The takeover would make Peninsula the first Orthodox-run for-profit hospital in the country. While continuing to serve the general population, it would also include expanded kosher options and Shabbat elevators. Revival was founded in 1994 by Rabbi Jacob Spitzer to care for fellow holocaust survivors, but has since expanded its mission to serve the general population.
Its president, Dr. Faye Zakheim, lectures frequently at hospitals on the cultural sensitivities of Orthodox patients. Both Zakheim and Revival’s vice president Alen Mandel served as volunteers with Hatzolah, building close ties with local ambulance volunteers. “We serve more people from the community than any other agency,” Mandel wirtes on Revival’s website. “That’s why it’s natural for us to see home care from the patient’s perspective.”
Rabbi Elozer Kanner, coordinator for, described the rescue of Peninsula Hospital
“This is very happy news for the community,” said Rabbi Elozer Kanner, coordinator for Hatzalah of the Rockaways and the Five Towns. “I’ve known Revival and wish them the best of luck.”