St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway will soon have a new state-of-the-art Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum (LDRP) unit for expecting mothers, thanks to almost $8.8 million in funding from legislators and private donors.
When St. John’s Episcopal broke ground on this new unit on May 17, it marked a major milestone in their commitment to maternal and infant care. Once construction is completed, those in the Rockaway community will have access to comprehensive, personalized birthing experiences within their own neighborhood.
“We’re extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from various levels of government and our private donors,” said Renee Hastick-Motes, senior vice president and chief external affairs officer/president of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation, EHS. “This collaborative effort demonstrates our community’s shared commitment to improving maternal and infant health in the Rockaways, Five Towns and surrounding communities.”
The LDRP unit will feature six LDRP rooms. Each room will have a private shower, allowing for patients to spend their entire stay within a single room, where they will receive enhanced comfort, privacy and continuity of care throughout their birthing experiences.
“This groundbreaking reaffirms EHS’ commitment to healthcare equity and ensuring all women have access to high-quality care, regardless of their background, circumstances or ability to pay,” said Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, CEO, Episcopal Health Services. “Our new LDRP facility will play a vital role in this mission by providing accessible, inclusive care to women from all walks of life. We are committed to improving access to care, quality of care and most importantly, eliminating racial disparities to care for the women in our community.”
Other features of the unit include two cutting-edge cesarean operating rooms, two recovery rooms, four triage rooms and a family lounge with a pantry and public restroom. There will also be support spaces, such as team member offices, nurses stations, on-call rooms for physicians and nurses, doctor and team member lounges, a locker room and Medication Safety Zone.
“With this investment in our new LDRP unit, EHS is demonstrating its commitment to the health and well-being of mothers and babies in our community, ensuring they have access to the highest quality care and support during this precious time in their lives,” said Jacqueline M. Marecheau, MD, FACOG, chairperson, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, EHS. “Moreover, the LDRP unit will bring family care together, serving as a conduit to pediatric services, ensuring seamless care transitions for both mother and baby.”
Funding for the LDRP unit was secured via the Congressional Directed Spending Program, the New York City Council, the NY Forward Grant, the Office of the Queens Borough President and various private donors through the St. John’s ICARE Foundation.
“Our new Labor, Delivery Recovery and Postpartum unit is a cornerstone of Episcopal Health Services’ commitment toward reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, and towards improving neonatal health outcomes in the Rockaways, Five Towns and surrounding communities,” EHS Board Trustee Dr. Iffath Hoskins said. “By providing state-of-the-art facilities and specialized services, EHS aims to set a high standard for excellence in maternity care.”
An additional $500,000 in funding for the LDRP unit was also provided by Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato. “As a community, we are putting women forward in our healthcare,” Assemblymember Pheffer Amato said. “I’m proud of this facility and know this hospital provides positive, quality healthcare.”
“Women and infant health in the Far Rockaway community is a top priority,” U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-05) said. “Securing this vital funding allows expectant mothers access to a high-quality facility to undergo safe deliveries during a pivotal time in their lives. I look forward to continuing to advocate for federal funding that improves the well-being of our families.”
“As a city council representative of District 31, I’m profoundly proud to witness this significant step forward in ensuring our local families receive the tailored birthing experiences they deserve right here on the peninsula,” Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers said. “The importance of having such a facility close to home must be underscored as it not only provides access to comprehensive care but also fosters a sense of security and support during one of life’s most precious journeys.”
During the May 17 groundbreaking, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards reflected on a tour he took years prior of the previous St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Labor and Delivery unit.
“I have to acknowledge my predecessor, because when we walked through this place years ago, we said we’re going to scrounge together every penny we could find and we came up with about $4 million to make sure this day would be possible,” Richards said. “I’d like to add if there’s more money needed, we will be committed to seeing this project through.”
Located on the Rockaway Peninsula, Episcopal Health Services provides emergency and ambulatory care to the densely populated, culturally and economically diverse and medically underserved Rockaway and Five Towns communities. Comprehensive preventive, diagnostic treatment and rehabilitative services are available for patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
