Staten Island families will soon have access to some of the country’s most advanced cardiac and stroke care. Richmond University Medical Center has announced the upcoming Joan and Alan Bernikow Heart and Vascular Institute, a state-of-the-art facility slated to open in 2026. The new center will expand the hospital’s cardiac services with cutting-edge technology and improved patient care spaces designed to meet the borough’s growing healthcare needs.
A highlight of the new institute is the addition of biplane imaging—one of the most sophisticated tools available for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular and stroke-related conditions. This technology uses two rotating cameras to capture simultaneous images from multiple angles, creating a real-time 3D view of blood vessels, tissue, and blood flow. It’s particularly valuable in the treatment of strokes, which affect nearly 800,000 people annually in the U.S., and in detecting blockages or aneurysms with precision and speed.
“We are committed to providing Staten Island with the most advanced healthcare services available—close to where they live and work,” said Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of the hospital.
The project includes expanding the hospital’s current Cardiac Catheterization Suite, which treats more than 500 cardiac patients annually. Plans call for additional pre-op and holding bays, a redesigned reception area, and enhanced patient flow throughout the suite.
The institute is named in honor of Joan and the late Alan Bernikow, a respected accountant and corporate leader who served on the RUMC Board of Trustees before his passing in 2023. In addition to a generous gift from the Bernikow family, funding for the project includes support from the Staten Island Foundation, Swedish Home, NYC Capital Grants, and over $1.8 million in federal funding secured by Senator Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.
With its expanded services and world-class technology, the Bernikow Heart and Vascular Institute represents a major step forward for healthcare on Staten Island, bringing top-tier cardiac care closer to home for local families.
