By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Aug 14 that the state will invest $27.7 million into a new women’s pavilion and pediatric intensive care unit at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens. 

Hochul’s office said that the expansion addresses the maternal mortality crisis, which disproportionately impacts women and color in New York. Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Corona have some of the highest birth rates in Queens, Hochul’s team said. 

“Elmhurst Hospital is the heartbeat of Northwest Queens and one of New York City’s most critical hubs of high-quality health care,” said Queensborough President Dovovan Richards Jr. “The success of this community is directly linked to the success of the hospital in delivering for the families who seek its care.”

The new Women’s Pavilion will be 35,000 square feet, more than double the size of the current pavilion. The place will offer extended services in the evening hours including high-risk pregnancy services, nutrition services, and prenatal education. The new pavilion will also offer new services such as mental health counseling and care for gynecological cancers. 

The Elmhurst Hospital currently does not have a pediatric intensive care unit, which means patients in need have to transfer to another hospital, possibly miles away from families. The new PICU will keep patients closer to their families should they require intensive care. The facility will include equipment with modules for blood circulation monitoring. 

“This funding will help us reduce infant and maternal mortality, provide care to women at every life stage, and ensure that we deliver critical care to our smallest patients when they need it most,” said Elmhurst CEO Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde. 

Construction and opening timeline will be announced in the coming months, but the Hospital will continue to operate normally. Assemblymember Catalina Cruz said that Elmhurst has always served people regardless of their socioeconomic status, but the new pavilion will bring more necessary care to parents and babies in the area. 

“As a proud patient of the Women’s Pavilion at Elmhurst Hospital, I know firsthand the vital role this institution plays in our everyday health care, but particularly for the thousands of uninsured women throughout Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona. This investment ensures that more women and children in our community will receive the quality healthcare they deserve.” 

In addition to the hospital expansion. Hochul also announced that pregnant employees will be entitled to at least 20 hours of paid parental leave. This allows pregnant people to receive pay for missed work due to medical appointments and other prenatal events. The policy goes into effect on Jan 1. 

Hochul also announced an expansion in doula access. Doulas are non-clinical professionals who provide guidance and support for pregnant people and new parents. On March 1, 2024, the state covered doula services under Medicaid. This new standing order will require a recommendation for doula services to receive Medicaid.