by NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull announces renovations to the psychiatric unit to improve patient care and safety
Improvements in the environment, safety features and personnel work flows offer a modern, safe and comfortable space that supports both patients and healthcare professionals
February 19, 2025
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull has today announced the completion of a large renovation project within its psychiatric unit to improve the safety, functionality and patient care of the facility. These upgrades are part of the continuous use of Woodhull Hospital to create a supporting and safe environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.
“We are committed to continuously improve the environment in which we offer care,” said Gregory Calliste, Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “The end result is a space that not only meets the highest standards of patient care and safety, but also offers a more modern and more efficient environment for our patients and staff.”
“A huge thanks to all interdisciplinary teams that have worked so hard to offer such a beautiful, safe and functional new space for our behavioral health patients,” ” Dr. Lisa Scott-Mckenzie, Chief Operating Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “The renovated space also ensures improved safety of staff and the use of updated support spaces to better serve our patients. Special thanks to the facilities, engineering, security, support, IT and maintenance trade personnel that has done all the work. A compliment for all of you! “
“We are so proud of the growth of our behavioral health department and opening another intramural unit is such an important milestone in a continuous journey,” said Dr. Ross Macdonald, Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “We are grateful for all the hard work that is about preparing the unit, so that our clinical staff can offer compassionate care in a safe environment.”
“Upgrading the psychiatric unit of Woodhull was a crucial project for the facility team,” said Manuel Saez, Phd., Vice President, NYC Health + Hospitals Office of Facilities Development. “Our staff worked tirelessly to create a safe and efficient environment for patients to heal.”
The interior of the psychiatric unit has a redesigned nursing station, which offers a smoother workflow for staff and makes their workspace more efficient and organized. Harmonious, and calming shades of fresh paint and new floors brighten up the entire space and offer a lively and calming atmosphere. The space also has brand new, modern furniture, each chosen for their comfort and contemporary style, so that patients enjoy a safe, hospitable and restorative environment.
The renovation of the unit also gave priority to security, with new dome mirrors approved by BHS that offer improved visibility and supervision. The installation of energy-efficient LED lighting creates an inviting atmosphere everywhere and all doors and sprinkler systems were replaced to meet current safety standards. The installation of fungal ceiling panels improves fire safety and meets the highest hygienic standards, ensuring a cleaner, safer environment for staff and patients. Ceiling mounted fire suppressants add a different layer of protection, minimizing lying down ligature, while low -maintenance worktops in treatment areas offer both usability and sustainability.
“The provision of our patients, a brand new, renovated space reflects our dedication to their care,” Dr. Rajvee Vora, Chief of Psychiatry, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, Clinical University Professor, NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “We are so proud to treat our marginalized and vulnerable patients with dignity and respect. The units reflect the teamwork and the collaboration in all disciplines at Woodhull. A huge shout at the clinical staff who spent time pleading and taking care of our patients and their safety. “
“Today we are celebrating the teamwork here at Woodhull,” Dr. Kristen Baumann, Associate Executive Director Behavioral Health Service, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. ‘The renovated units improve the personnel and patient experience; Provide a safer environment for everyone and visually make the changes that we bring to the behavioral health service. “
“We appreciate the opportunity to welcome patients and staff in the newly redesigned space that contains a therapeutic environment for both,” said Althea Senior-Morris, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull.
“Woodhull is proud of the psychiatric unit 4 to reopen,” said Rhonnie Jackson, director of Nursing, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “The recently renovated unit includes upgrades to the nursing station, better lighting and a newly added comfort space for outpatient clinics. The behavioral health department continues to support the community and offer exceptional care. A compliment for the team that has done the long, difficult hours to make this come true. “
These renovations show NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull’s continuous dedication to safety, sustainability and promoting a hospitable, comfortable environment for both patients and staff, while maintaining the highest care standards and giving priority to the well -being of patients.
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Media Contact: Julissa Herrera, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, 718-963-8629
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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, part of the NYC Health + Hospitals Health Care System, is the most important care provider in the municipality of Brooklyn. It is a premiere care organization for important specialties, including surgery, cardiology, women’s health, pediatrics, rehabilitation medicine, kidney services and behavioral services. Last year the hospital received nearly 300,000 outpatient care visits and nearly 100,000 emergency visits. For more information, visit www.nychalthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the country and serves more than a million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations for patient care in the five city districts of the city. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based basic and specialty care centers anchores care coordination with the trauma centers of the system, nursing homes, postacute care centers, home care agency and metroplus Health Plan-all completely supported by 11 essential hospitals. The various workforce of more than 43,000 employees is a unique way aimed at strengthening New Yorkers, without exception, to lead the healthiest life. For more information, visit www.nychalthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
