St. John's Episcopal Hospital Laboratory Permit Suspended for 30 Days

ALBANY, N.Y. (December 16, 2011) – The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has suspended the laboratory permit of St John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, Queens, for blood transfusion and related testing. This action was taken after a DOH inspection found that the hospital failed to meet accepted standards for blood transfusion and blood bank services, which put patient safety at risk.

During the 30-day suspension, the hospital can continue to perform blood transfusions only if it uses an outside lab to handle pre-transfusion blood testing and demonstrates to DOH that proper protocols and procedures are in place for protecting patient safety.

DOH staff will be monitoring the hospital and will oversee efforts to ensure it meets the required quality standards.