Friday, March 29, 2024
Miles from the Mainstream
D. R. ZUKERMAN, proprietor
Labor Day at New York
Presbyterian Hospital

SEPTEMBER 12, 2004 --

LPR joined a manageable throng of reporters outside New York Hospital, Labor Day, in the very upper west side of Manhattan to await word on President Clinton's heart surgery.

Shortly after 3 p.m. the media was invited into the Milstein Hospital Building of New York Presbyterian for a 4 p.m. press conference in the lobby. (Soda and water provided to the media by the hospital.)

The press conference was moderated by Dr. Herbert Pardes, president of the hospital, with Dr. Craig R. Smith, Clinton heart surgeon, Dr. Allan Schwartz, director of cardiology, and Dr. Robert Kelly, hospital C.O.O. on the panel.

Dr. Schwartz noted that Mr. Clinton began having heart symptoms "several months ago."

The Clinton family earlier had released a message that, among other things, advised Americans to see their doctors when suffering serious discomfort.

It would seem that this advice was offered as a result of the former president's apparent failure to talk to his doctor when the serious symptoms first appeared.

Dr. Kelly said thast hospitalization for President Clinton cost about $25,000.

LPR, recognized by Dr. Pardes for a question, asked about Mr. Clinton's blood pressure and Dr. Schwartz acknowledged that it had been high and he indicated
that the post-operative medication will take the blood pressure problem into account.

Dr. Smith said that the quadruple bypass surgery began at 8 a.m. and was completed at noon. Dr. Schwartz said that President Clinton was awake but sedated at the time of the press conference.

Dr. Schwartz told the newspeople that President Clinton had 90 percent
blockage in his arteries and would likely have suffered a heart attack if the surgery had not occurred. Dr. Schwartz added that Mr. Clinton was, otherwise, "generally extremely healthy."

Dr. Smith reviewed the surgery, indicating that it was routine, and he noted, with reference to Mr. Clinton, "This is not the average person in recovery."

LPR was not on hand when President Clinton was discharged from the hospital, September 10, but LPR was present, Tuesday morning, when photographers took interest in a white vehicle about to leave hospital grounds.

A reporter for NBC told LPR that Chelsea Clinton was in the vehicle and LPR directed its camera in the direction of the cameras of the other photographers, at least one of them getting an image of Ms. Clinton on digital.

LPR, still using film, caught only the exterior of the vehicle.

The Clinton family statement, issued prior to the surgery, expressed appreciation for the 26,000 messages of good will that had been received, hoped that some day all Americans will have the good health
coverage that the Clintons have, called for support for working people on Labor Day and asked for prayers for the Florida hurricane victims and the terrorism
victims in Russia.

There is no word, that Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kerry plans to call for legislation requiring annual medical check-ups of all Americans -- the A CURE bill (Annual Check-Ups Required
of Everyone).


Vehicle leaving hospital Tuesday morning, with Chelsea believed to be passenger, and driven by her boyfriend.

Dr. Craig R.. Smith, President Clinton's heart surgeon.


Dr. Allen Schwartz, Director of Cardiology, and Dr. Herbert Pardes, President of New York Presbyterian.


The rear of the Milstein Hospital Building at New York Presbyterian --view looks over the Hudson River (and George Washington Bridge).


Media outside Milstein's main entrance, Labor Day.


TV reporter getting some handheld prompting in front of Milstein, Labor Day.


Journalist with jacket is Tom Junkersdorf, Chief U.S. correspondent for Bild Zeitung, a German tabloid with a circulation of four million and readership of 12 million. (We got to chatting while waiting for the press conference to be called.) LPR also met newspeople from London, Taiwan and Baltimore.


Valet service available at main entrance to Milstein building, on Fort Washington Avenue. This sign is on
valet booth.


Wire service photographer confident she got photo of Chelsea in the car. Other fotogs checking their digiital windows.