New York State is providing support to Auburn Community Hospital as it plans to expand its services to better serve patients. The hospital has been awarded $21 million to fund two infrastructure projects, the creation of an outpatient cardiology institute, and the improvement of the hospital’s operating rooms.
With the aging population in Cayuga County, hospital officials say the new cardiology institute is necessary to meet the increasing demand for long-term cardiac health services for patients, particularly those who have had COVID-19. The funding will also go towards expanding the surgical capacity of the hospital with the addition of three new operating rooms and a procedure room. This expansion will allow for more surgeries and procedures to be performed, including orthopedic sports surgeries and hip and knee surgeries.
Scott Berlucchi, the CEO of the hospital, expressed his gratitude for the support received from the state officials. He highlighted how the new facilities will enable them to provide essential care to the community without having to travel long distances.
The grant was made available through the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program, administered by the Department of Health and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. The program awarded more than $658 million in funding to support 127 projects in the latest round. It has provided almost $1.68 billion since it began, and Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget for 2023-24 includes $1 billion for another round of grants.
According to Governor Hochul’s office, New Yorkers deserve access to quality health care, and the grants will provide critical funding for hospitals and other facilities across the state to ensure that they provide the top-rated care that New Yorkers need.
The Auburn Community Hospital projects, supported by state grants, are taking place alongside the building of a $15 million cancer center scheduled to open in 2024.
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