October 28, 2020 – Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) celebrated the next phase of construction on its new advanced, state-of-the-art emergency department with a beam signing ceremony for local dignitaries, donors, and medical staff on October 27. Over 50 people, including New York State Assembly Member Michael Cusick, attended the event which adhered to all safety precautions established during the current pandemic. The white beam will be the first beam installed as the steel structure of the new ED begins to take shape. The new ED will be completed in spring 2022.
“Tonight’s event is a sign of the tremendous progress being made toward the future of our institution and, perhaps more importantly, progress toward providing Staten Island with the most advanced state-of-the art emergency department in New York City,” President and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, said. “As the end of this year draws closer, we are all seeking positives from the experiences of the past few months. Positives that point to a brighter future. Our emergency department will be just that. It will be a beacon to all of Staten Island that the most advanced emergency care, latest evidence-based medicine, and cutting-edge technology is here, not off Staten Island, but here, right in their neighborhood.”
The ceremony also celebrated the hospital achieving its capital campaign goal of securing $13 million in private funds to support construction of the new ED; a goal reached this past September. In addition to the $13 million raised from the private campaign, over $42 million in grants was also secured from New York City and New York State over a three year period from 2016 to 2018.
“This is a very joyful day as we celebrate the successful capital campaign for our new emergency department,” Kathryn K. Rooney, chair of the hospital’s Board of Trustees, said. “Without our generous donors, and the help of our governmental officials, our new ED would not be possible.”
When completed, the new emergency department will feature private treatment rooms, trauma bays, and comprehensive specialty areas for pediatrics and urgent care on the ground floor. The second floor will be used to upgrade the hospital’s surgical unit and provide increased space for additional services.
The current emergency department at RUMC was constructed in 1978. It is 15,000 square feet and was built to service around 30,000 emergency care patents annually. Today, RUMC averages over 60,000 patients coming to its emergency department for care annually. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergency department has treated over 1,000 people affected by the virus.
RUMC is a Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, certified by The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH). RUMC achieved this duel certification seven years ago, making it the first medical facility in New York City to do so. RUMC has served Staten Island for over 100 years. Throughout its history, the hospital has been recognized numerous times by national organizations for its emergency medicine services and quality of patient care, including The Joint Commission, American Hospital Association (AHA), American Heart Association, American Stoke Association, and the ACS.
Supporters and staff sign their names on what will be the first beam installed for RUMC’s new 35,000 sq. ft. emergency department.
A message of hope and support written on the new ED beam.
RUMC president and CEO, Dr. Daniel J. Messina, thanked supporters for helping to make the hospital’s new state-for-the-art emergency department a reality. The new ED will open in spring 2022.
