Quagliata to be honored at ball

South Nassau Communities Hospital’s Annual Carnation Ball on Nov. 3 will honor its president and CEO, who is retiring after nearly 40 years working at the hospital.

Joseph Quagliata, the president of the hospital, announced in August his decision to retire and will be presented at the ceremony with the Mary Pearson award, which acknowledges an individual’s effort and contributions that advance South Nassau’s commitment to care and healthcare services.

Quagliata began his career at South Nassau as the chief financial officer in 1973 and held that position until he was promoted to president in October 1998. During Quagliata’s time as president of the hospital, South Nassau’s inpatient admissions increased by 90 percent, while it’s ambulatory volume rose by 127 percent, which, according to a press release from South Nassau, outpaced the rates of many other hospitals in the area. The hospital’s 174,000 square-foot North Addition opened in April 2006 during Quagliata’s tenure.

“Mr. Quagliata has been an advocate for hospitals on Long Island for more than 30 years and is recognized for his leadership in shaping the future of healthcare in the region,” the press release read. “Numerous organizations have honored Mr. Quagliata for his enduring commitment to ensuring the quality and vitality of healthcare services on Long Island and in New York.”

Quagliata has held positions with the board of directors of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council, the Metropolitan New York Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the Berger Commission. According to the press release, he has also been a strong supporter of the Long Island Blood Services and the fight against breast cancer.

Proceeds from the Carnation Ball will benefit The Gertrude & Louis Fiel Cancer Center at South Nassau Communities

Hospital.

Richard Murphy will succeed Quagliata in January 2013.