After decades of operating beyond capacity, the only emergency department in the Rockaways is getting an upgrade.
Officials celebrated upcoming renovations at St. John's Episcopal Hospital Thursday. The more than $10 million makeover is courtesy of a state grant.
The newly-improved ER will have double its current capacity, private rooms and help for those with mental health issues. There will also be a new facility for primary care across the street.
“These changes were vital,” said Christopher Parker, the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer. “We see about 45,000 patients. This emergency department could probably comfortably seat 12,000. So in order for us to really meet the patients' needs, the community needs, this department really needed a massive restructuring.”
All of the renovations are expected to be complete in 18 months.