Friday, October 2, 2026
When 50-year-old Elmont resident and teacher Tina Bayone walked into Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital’s emergency department in June, she didn’t know she was arriving on a special day for the hospital.
Her visit coincided with the official reopening of the hospital’s newly renovated emergency department — a milestone marking the completion of a multi-phase construction project that had kept the ER operational while undergoing substantial improvements.
Bayone had been experiencing chest discomfort and heart palpitations, symptoms that lasted through the night. Though initially reluctant to seek medical attention, she was eventually persuaded by her siblings, who emphasized the importance of not ignoring signs of potential heart-related issues. Their encouragement led Bayone to the newly unveiled entrance of LIJ Valley Stream’s emergency department — a place she said would leave a lasting impression on her, not just for its medical care, but for its humanity.
She described herself as emotionally and physically drained upon arrival. Typically outgoing, Bayone said she was notably quiet and subdued that day. The triage nurse who first evaluated her took multiple blood pressure readings and offered quiet reassurance that Bayone said helped to calm her fears.
"The care was above and beyond, it wasn't just about my health," Bayone said. "They were doing their job, and they were so kind, and I wanted it to be known that I am so appreciative. They don't know how they helped me not just physically, but also emotionally."
Bayone believes the symptoms may have been stress-related and possibly linked to perimenopause, a stage of life that can present with a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
Her gratitude prompted an uncommon decision: to return to the hospital to thank the emergency staff in person. On July 22, Bayone returned to LIJ Valley Stream, this time not as a patient, but to express her appreciation to those who had treated her during a vulnerable moment.
The gesture touched hospital staff members. Abiola Anthony, who has worked in the emergency department for over a year, recalled recognizing Bayone when she returned. Anthony said that many patients come into the ER carrying not only physical symptoms but also emotional burdens. She emphasized that offering simple words of support or encouragement can be just as important as administering medical treatment.
“Everybody has a situation that they've been through,” Anthony said. “Sometimes, some people just need someone to talk to. So, you always try to give them that encouraging word to let them know that everything is going to be okay. We all go through some things. Whatever we trust in, the higher power, whatever we believe in, everything's going to be fine.”
Dr. Salvatore Pardo, chair of the emergency department, noted that it’s not common for patients to return to thank the team, especially those who are discharged the same day. He said the emergency department typically sees patients during moments of high stress and urgency, and that meeting patients’ expectations, both medical and emotional, is not always easy. Bayone’s return, he said, was a welcome and meaningful acknowledgment of the department’s ongoing commitment to patient-centered care.
“We're very grateful to have her come back, and thank the staff,” Pardo said. “It's very important to us.”
Bayone said she tried to write down the names of the team members who helped her, even if she couldn’t recall them all. She wanted to be sure their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. She described the environment in the ER as one where staff consistently balanced professionalism with compassion, creating a sense of safety and calm at a time when she needed it most.
Her experience is now part of the early history of the newly reopened facility. The renovated emergency department reflects the hospital’s broader mission to enhance both the quality of care and the patient experience.
Her story serves as a reminder that small gestures of empathy and professionalism can leave an impression and that sometimes, patients come back not because they have to, but because they want to say thank you.
