Ribbon-Cutting to Celebrate Arrival of First da Vinci Robotic Surgical System in Ulster County
KINGSTON, N.Y., November 19, 2025 — Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) and HealthAlliance Hospital celebrated the arrival of the first da Vinci robotic surgical system to Ulster County. This groundbreaking advancement represents a major step forward in surgical technology, offering greater precision, shorter recovery times, and improved outcomes for patients across the Hudson Valley.
“The arrival of the da Vinci robotic surgical system marks another important milestone in our commitment to putting patients first,” said Elissa Chessari, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of HealthAlliance Hospital. “By investing in this advanced technology, HealthAlliance Hospital continues to raise the bar for our region by bringing world-class care closer to home for our patients and our communities. This achievement reflects both the expertise of our medical teams and WMCHealth’s continued investment in innovation that benefits our patients in and around Ulster County. Thank you to our physicians, workforce, elected officials, and community partners for celebrating this milestone with us.”
About the da Vinci Surgical System
The da Vinci robotic surgical system represents a significant advancement in modern medicine, expanding surgical capabilities across a wide range of specialties. This state-of-the-art technology enables physicians to perform complex procedures with unparalleled precision, dexterity, and visualization, all through minimally invasive techniques that promote faster recovery and improved outcomes. There are several different areas of the body where a surgeon can use the da Vinci surgical system. At HealthAlliance Hospital, the system will be utilized in general surgery, urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, surgical oncology, and colorectal surgery.
Continuation of Investments at HealthAlliance Hospital
The arrival of the da Vinci robotic surgical system marks the latest chapter in WMCHealth’s ongoing investment in Ulster County’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring residents receive the same high-quality care and innovation found at leading medical centers nationwide.
This commitment builds on a series of major advancements that began in 2022, when WMCHealth proudly opened the new HealthAlliance Hospital at 105 Mary’s Avenue in Kingston. Since then, the hospital has continued to strengthen services and expand access to cutting-edge care. Key features and accomplishments include:
- Enhanced Inpatient Care and Emergency Services:
A new Emergency Department, including Emergency Behavioral Health Services, now serves more than 32,000 patients each year. - Advanced Cardiac Care:
The state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Lab has treated over 2,100 patients since opening. - Level III Trauma Center Designation:
The trauma program has cared for nearly 2,500 injured patients since its inception, ensuring lifesaving care is available close to home.
The opening of the new hospital also paved the way for the next phase of WMCHealth’s vision: the development of the WMCHealth Medical Village. This new model of care enhances coordination, speeds access to the right specialists, and offers a patient-centered environment designed for healing, comfort, and connection.
In 2024, WMCHealth further expanded services with the opening of a new Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, restoring 20 inpatient behavioral health beds in Kingston. The $7 million renovation introduced upgraded semi-private and private rooms, improved bathrooms, enhanced dining and program spaces, a quiet room with audio-visual support, and a redesigned nursing station—reflecting a strong commitment to both patient experience and workforce support.
Soon, HealthAlliance will celebrate the installation of new 3D mammography with advanced imaging at the Fern Feldman Anolick Breast Center, strengthening early detection and women’s health services for the region.
This news about the arrival of the da Vinci robotic surgical system at HealthAlliance Hospital has been well received by the community:
“The arrival of the da Vinci robotic surgical system at HealthAlliance Hospital is a game-changer for Ulster County,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “This cutting-edge technology means our friends and neighbors can access world-class care, particularly for complex surgical procedures, right here at home. No long trips, no added stress. It’s an investment in our community’s health and in the future of medicine in the Hudson Valley.”
“Whether you live in a rural community or a major city, every New Yorker deserves high-quality healthcare and access to the latest medical advancements,” said Senator Michelle Hinchey. “We thank WMCHealth for bringing state-of-the-art robotic technology to HealthAlliance Hospital, which will expand access to world-class surgical care for Ulster County residents, who can now receive this level of treatment close to home.”
“I applaud WMCHealth and HealthAlliance Hospital on bringing state-of-the-art healthcare technology to Kingston with the new da Vinci robot,” said StevenT. Noble, Mayor, City of Kingston. “We are grateful to HealthAlliance for the continued investment in critical healthcare technology right here in our own backyard, for our residents and all those in the region who will benefit from this innovative medical device.”
“The addition of the da Vinci robotic surgical system at HealthAlliance Hospital marks a significant milestone for our community,” said Peter Criswell, Chair of the Ulster County Legislature. “This advanced technology will allow local residents to access world-class surgical care right here in Kingston, without the need to travel to larger metropolitan areas. Faster recovery times and improved outcomes mean patients can return to their families and their lives more quickly.”
“Today is an important day for our community as we celebrate the introduction of the da Vinci robot at HealthAlliance Hospital. This advanced technology is now accessible right here in Kingston, allowing our residents to receive top-tier care without needing to travel outside the county,” said Michele Hirsch, Kingston City Alderwoman (Ward 9 – hospital in-district). “HealthAlliance Hospital is dedicated to ensuring our residents have access to the most innovative healthcare solutions, and the arrival of this state-of-the-art robotic technology underscores that dedication.”
“The installation of the first da Vinci robot in Kingston and Ulster County is more than an advancement in healthcare, it is a powerful symbol of what is possible when education, industry, and community come together with a shared vision for the future. Ulster BOCES is proud to partner with HealthAlliance as we expand opportunities for students to learn on cutting-edge, emerging technologies that are reshaping the world of work,” said Dr. Jonah M. Schenker, District Superintendent & CEO, Ulster BOCES. “This milestone deepens our collective commitment to preparing the next generation of learners, leaders, and healthcare professionals for the future they will inherit, and help create.”
Meet WMCHealth Surgeons in Kingston, NY
Surgery, Cardiothoracic
117 Mary’s Ave, Suite 102
- Joanne Bennett, NP
- Carolyn Lifrieri, NP
- Ramin Malekan, MD
Surgery, Colo-rectal
117 Mary’s Ave, Suite 102
- Ryan Bendl, MD
Surgery, General
117 Mary’s Ave, Suite 102
- James Feeney, MD
- Jamal Mahdavian, MD
- Michael Moscowitz, MD
- Zoe Weinstein, MD
Surgery, Transplant, (consultation and follow-up office)
117 Mary’s Ave, Suite 102
- Devon John, MD
Surgery, Vascular
111 Mary’s Ave, Suite 3
- Javier Tellegorry, MD
- Joseph Fulton, MD
Women’s Health, OB/GYN
373 Broadway
- Dayna Davi, NP
- Kenneth Keplinger, MD
- Vivian Sone, MD
- Elly Wagner, PA
Women’s Health, Urogynecology
373 Broadway
- Anne Hardart, MD
- Patrick Popiel, MD