New York governor antes funding for hospital modernization projects

The $188 million, which could increase, will help fund technology projects such as EHR integrations, ED and NICU improvements and other digital health initiatives to "bring vital resources to underserved New Yorkers."

Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul this past week announced plans for investments in seven hospitals and healthcare partnerships across the state under its Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program.

The initiative, supported by up to $188 million in capital funding, is designed to improve care delivery, address infrastructure gaps and enhance operational efficiency at safety-net institutions.

Gov. Hochul has committed additional resources to expand the program in 2026.

A partnership between Jamaica Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center will establish the "Comprehensive Cancer Program of Queens," including the creation of a new Radiation and Infusion Therapy Campus at Jamaica Hospital to enable comprehensive cancer care locally and refer patients to Memorial Sloan Kettering for advanced treatments and clinical trials.

Glens Falls Hospital, in partnership with Albany Med Health System, will modernize its emergency department to meet anticipated growth in patient demand over the next decade. The upgrades include integration with Albany Med's electronic health record system and the addition of social workers in the discharge process to connect patients with community resources.

In Western New York, Kaleida Health will lead improvements at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, Brooks-TLC Hospital and Olean General Hospital, while advancing plans to construct a new facility in Fredonia.

The project also includes modernizing Kaleida Health's EHR system to ensure continuity of care across the region.

St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, in partnership with Cityblock Health and Union Community Health Center, will expand its emergency department, which currently handles 75,000 visits annually in a space designed for 55,000.

Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital and Westchester Community Health Center will partner on hospital modernization plans for its maternity and neonatal intensive care units, which have not been renovated in over 25 years.

In the North Country, the UVM Health Network will enhance behavioral health services through a partnership with Champlain Valley Family Center, aiming to reduce emergency department use and streamline operations at UVM Alice Hyde Medical Center.

Lastly, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital will expand emergency transportation with Otsego County Ambulance Services and modernize its pharmacy operations with Noble Health Services to improve patient access to emergency care and enhance pharmacy services.

"Every person should have access to affordable, reliable health care regardless of the ZIP code they live in, and these investments will bring vital resources to underserved New Yorkers," said Hochul in a statement.