St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s Expectant Moms Receive $8.9M “Push Gift”

Far Rockaway, New York, July 23, 2024 — Expectant mothers who deliver their babies at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, part of Episcopal Health Services (EHS), will soon have access to a state-of-the-art Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) unit, thanks to nearly $8.8 million in funding the health system received from legislators and private donors.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from various levels of government and our private donors,” said Renee Hastick-Motes, SVP & 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.”

“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, Chief Executive Officer, EHS. “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.”

“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 & 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.”

“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. By providing state-of-the-art facilities and specialized services, EHS aims to set a high standard for excellence in maternity care,” said Dr. Iffath Hoskins, Board Trustee, EHS.

“Women and infant health in the Far Rockaway community is a top priority,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05). “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.”

During the groundbreaking, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr., reflected on a tour he took of the “old” St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Labor and Delivery unit years prior.

“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. I’d like to add if there’s more money needed, we will be committed to seeing this project through,” said Richards.

New York State Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato pledged an additional $500,000 for the LDRP unit.

“As a community, we are putting women forward in our healthcare,” said Assembly Member Pheffer Amato. I’m proud of this facility and know this hospital provides positive, quality healthcare.”

This new state-of-the-art facility will feature six Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum rooms, each equipped with a private shower. This design allows patients to spend their entire hospital stay in a single room, providing enhanced comfort, privacy, and continuity of care throughout their birthing experience.

The unit also includes two cutting-edge cesarean operating rooms, two recovery rooms, four triage rooms, a family lounge with pantry and public restroom, and 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.

“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,” said New York City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers. “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.”

Funding was secured through the Congressional Directed Spending Program, NYC Council, NY Forward Grant, Office of the Queens Borough President and various private donors via the St. John’s ICARE Foundation.