New York State Senators Andrew Gounardes and Jabari Brisport and Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest on Wednesday announced $2 million in state funding to refurbish the aging escalators at Brooklyn Hospital Center.
Repairing the escalators will prevent delays and ensure that Brooklyn Hospital Center continues delivering timely, essential care to its patients, according to a press release.
“Brooklyn Hospital Center plays an indispensable role in our community, and ensuring it functions properly is critical to its mission. We are proud to secure funding for this much-needed repair, ensuring the hospital can continue to serve the public without disruption," Gounardes said.
The $2 million allocation comes as a lifeline for the hospital, considered a “safety net” facility for residents who cannot afford private medical care. The hospital operates 464 beds and handles approximately 30 patient discharges daily.
“Brooklyn Hospital is a vital resource for my district and the entire borough. Failing escalators pose a real challenge, and I’m glad we could step in with the support they needed,” Brisport said.
Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, a nurse and lifelong Brooklyn resident, said escalators may seem like a small part of a hospital operation, but a working escalator was vital in transporting people and equipment.
“As a nurse and a lifelong Brooklyn resident, I know how critical it is for our hospitals to have the resources they need to provide safe, timely care,” she said.
The escalators are the lifeblood for moving patients and doctors in and out of the hospital, said Brooklyn Hospital Center President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Terrinoni.
"This funding will make a huge difference for everyone here,” said Terrinoni.
