Episcopal Health Services (EHS) has opened a new $12 million Labor and Delivery Suite at its facility in Far Rockaway, New York. The ribbon-cutting event on July 31 brought together nearly 400 community members, elected officials, religious leaders, and expectant mothers.
The project is the result of ten years of planning by EHS to improve maternal health services for families in the Rockaways and Five Towns. The suite includes six rooms with ocean views, advanced technology, two operating rooms, and a triage area.
“In the sixteen years that I have been the bishop of this diocese, president of Episcopal Health Services, and chair of the board of trustees of the hospital, the one thing that had to happen was ensuring we would not, in any way, jettison labor and delivery in the Rockaways,” said the Right Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, EHS Board of Trustees President & Chairman. “So today, for me, is a wonderful celebration and the fulfillment of a dream.”
“Twelve years of commitment, collaboration, and determination have finally led us to this extraordinary moment,” said Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer at EHS. “Episcopal Health Services is on a tremendous trajectory to provide high-quality care that is patient-centered because of everyone here today. And for that, I say thank you. Maternity is finally here.”
“This space is a love letter to the community – and it is deep and personal to me,” said Jacqueline Marecheau, MD, FACOG Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology at EHS. “I have experienced preeclampsia and postpartum depression, and I empathize with many of the women we serve. This community and the surrounding communities deserve a space as luxurious and supportive as this one.”
Several local officials attended or helped secure funding for the suite’s construction including U.S. Rep Gregory Meeks; New York State Sen James Sanders Jr.; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato; District Attorney Melinda Katz; Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson; and Village of Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias.
After remarks from speakers at the ceremony concluded attendees were able to tour the new facility which will open officially on August 18.
EHS serves residents across Rockaway Peninsula in Queens with emergency care as well as other medical services for people regardless of ability to pay or faith background.
