NYC Health + Hospitals Launches Renovation of Woodhull’s Birthing Suite, Enhancing Maternal Care Facilities

Health + Hospitals/woodhull begins a $20 million renovation of its labour and birthing suite, backed by significant funding from Brooklyn officials.">

August 24, 2025

Brooklyn, New York – NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull has initiated a comprehensive $20 million overhaul of its labor and birthing facilities. This significant investment aims to enhance maternal care services and modernize the hospital’s infrastructure for growing families.

Significant Funding Boost From Borough President

The project received a major impetus with an $11 million contribution from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Completion of the renovation is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027, promising cutting-edge facilities for expectant mothers and their families. According to the CDC, the U.S. saw nearly 3.6 million births in 2023, highlighting the sustained demand for quality maternity care.

Enhancements to Patient Care Spaces

The refurbishment will focus on creating a more comfortable and supportive environment for patients. Plans include a dedicated family comfort area, as well as the hospital’s first birthing center rooms featuring hydrotherapy tubs – a growing trend in maternity care designed to promote relaxation and pain management during labor. Enhanced recovery and operating areas will also be incorporated.

Improvements extend beyond patient spaces.Renovations to the nurse station and medicine room are intended to streamline workflows and enhance collaboration between nurses, midwives, and physicians, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.Staff amenities, including break rooms, locker rooms, bathrooms, and on-call rooms, will also be revitalized.

New Leadership and Rising Birth Rates

This upgrade coincides with a period of new leadership at Woodhull Hospital, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and clinical heads for the OB/GYN and Anesthesiology departments. The hospital recorded nearly 1,000 births in 2024,demonstrating a consistent need for advanced maternity services.

Hospital officials have assured the public that construction will be carefully phased to minimize disruption to ongoing patient care. Dr.Lisa Scott-McKenzie, Chief Operating Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, emphasized the positive impact of the project, stating that both patients and staff will greatly benefit from the upgraded aesthetics and new features.

“Upon completion, we are eager to invite our community residents to tour the upgrades and to choose Woodhull as they enlarge their families,” Dr. Scott-McKenzie added.

Broader Investment in Brooklyn Maternal Health

The investment in woodhull Hospital is part of a larger $45 million initiative spearheaded by Borough President Reynoso to renovate labor and delivery units across three Brooklyn hospitals in fiscal year 2023. This demonstrates a strong commitment to improving maternal health outcomes throughout the borough.

Brooklyn’s dedication extends beyond physical infrastructure. Initiatives such as the Maternal Health Task Force, public education campaigns, and resources like the Born in Brooklyn baby boxes and Community Baby Shower Fund are all working to support new and expecting parents.

Innovative programs like the state’s first advanced certificate in perinatal mental health, a collaboration between the hospital and Brooklyn collage, further underscore this commitment by providing professionals with specialized training to address the emotional well-being of new families.

Key Project details	Data
Total Project Cost	$20 Million
Funding from Borough President Reynoso	$11 Million
Completion Date (Estimated)	Q4 2027
Births at Woodhull (2024)	Nearly 1,000

The Growing Importance of birthing Centers

Birthing centers, like those being implemented at Woodhull, are gaining popularity as they offer a more home-like and less clinical environment for labor and delivery.These centers frequently enough prioritize natural childbirth methods and personalized care, aligning with a growing trend among expectant mothers seeking a more holistic approach to their birthing experience. According to a 2024 report by the American Association of Birth Centers,the number of birth center births has increased by over 30% in the last decade.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Woodhull Renovation

• What is the primary goal of the Woodhull Hospital renovation? The primary goal is to enhance maternal care services and modernize the birthing facilities.
• How will the renovation impact current patients? Construction will be phased to minimize disruption to ongoing patient care.
• what are hydrotherapy tubs and how do they benefit laboring mothers? Hydrotherapy tubs provide a warm water environment that can promote relaxation and pain relief during labor.
• What other initiatives are happening in Brooklyn to support maternal health? Brooklyn has several initiatives, including a Maternal Health Task Force and programs providing resources for new parents.
• When is the estimated completion date for the renovation? The renovation is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027.

What are yoru thoughts on the importance of investing in maternal health infrastructure? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How will the upgraded nurse call systems improve interaction between patients and the care team?

Modernizing Maternal Healthcare at Woodhull Medical Center

NYC Health + Hospitals is committed to providing exceptional care for expectant mothers and newborns. A notable step in this dedication is the ongoing renovation of the birthing suite at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn. This project aims to modernize facilities, improve patient experience, and enhance the quality of maternal healthcare available to the community. The upgrades focus on creating a more cozy, safe, and technologically advanced environment for both patients and staff.

Key Improvements to the Birthing Suite

The renovation encompasses several crucial areas, designed to address the evolving needs of modern obstetrics. Here’s a breakdown of the key improvements:

Private Birthing Rooms: The project prioritizes the creation of more private birthing rooms, offering increased comfort and dignity for patients during labor and delivery. These rooms will be equipped with updated amenities and technology.

Advanced monitoring Equipment: New, state-of-the-art fetal monitoring systems and maternal monitoring devices will be installed, allowing healthcare professionals to closely track the health of both mother and baby. This includes wireless monitoring options for increased patient mobility.

Enhanced nurse Call Systems: Upgraded nurse call systems will ensure rapid response times and improved communication between patients and the care team.

Updated Operating Rooms: The existing operating rooms dedicated to Cesarean sections will receive significant upgrades, including improved lighting, ventilation, and surgical equipment.

Dedicated Family Waiting Area: A redesigned and more comfortable waiting area will be created for families, providing a supportive environment during the birthing process.

Improved Postpartum Care Spaces: The postpartum unit will also benefit from renovations, focusing on creating a more relaxing and supportive environment for new mothers and their babies. This includes updated nursing stations and private spaces for breastfeeding.

Benefits of the Renovated Birthing Suite

These improvements translate into tangible benefits for patients,families,and healthcare providers.

Improved Patient Safety: Advanced monitoring and updated equipment contribute to a safer birthing experience, reducing potential complications.

Enhanced Patient Comfort: Private rooms and comfortable amenities create a more positive and less stressful environment for expectant mothers.

Better Patient outcomes: A modernized facility and skilled staff contribute to improved maternal and infant health outcomes.

increased Staff Efficiency: Updated technology and improved workflows allow healthcare professionals to provide more efficient and effective care.

Stronger Community Resource: Woodhull Medical Center’s enhanced birthing suite reinforces its role as a vital resource for prenatal care and postnatal care within the Brooklyn community.

Addressing Maternal Health Disparities

Woodhull Medical Center serves a diverse population, and the renovation is particularly focused on addressing maternal health disparities. The hospital is committed to providing equitable access to high-quality care for all patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.

Culturally Sensitive care: Staff training emphasizes culturally sensitive communication and care practices.

Language Access Services: Thorough language access services are available to ensure effective communication with patients who have limited English proficiency.

Community Outreach Programs: Woodhull actively engages in community outreach programs to promote prenatal education and access to care.

Focus on High-Risk Pregnancies: The renovated suite will be equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies and provide specialized care for mothers with complex medical conditions.

The Role of Technology in Modern Birthing Suites

Technology plays an increasingly crucial role in modern labor and delivery. The Woodhull renovation incorporates several key technological advancements:

1. Electronic Health Records (EHR): Seamless integration with the hospital’s EHR system ensures that all patient data is readily accessible to the care team.
2. Telemedicine Capabilities: Telemedicine capabilities will allow for remote consultations with specialists, expanding access to expert care.
3. Smart Hospital Technology: Integration of smart hospital technology,such as automated medication dispensing and real-time location systems,will improve efficiency and reduce errors.
4. Wireless Fetal Monitoring: Allows mothers greater freedom of movement during labor while continuously monitoring fetal well-being.

Woodhull’s Commitment to Family-Centered Care

NYC Health + Hospitals recognizes the importance of family involvement in the birthing process. The renovated suite is designed to support family-centered care, encouraging partners and loved ones to actively participate in the experience.

Spacious Rooms: Larger birthing rooms provide ample space for family members to be present.

Comfortable Seating: Comfortable seating and amenities are provided for family members.

Flexible Visiting Hours: Flexible visiting hours allow families to spend quality time with new mothers and babies.

support Groups & Education: Access to support groups and educational resources for new parents.

resources for expectant Mothers in NYC

NYC Health + Hospitals: [https://www.nyc.gov/site/hhs/index.page](https://www.nyc.gov/