Increasing Critical Care Access – 21 Bed Critical Care Unit Expansion and Modernization
Episcopal Health Services, Inc. / St. John’s Episcopal Hospital is proposing an expansion and modernization of critical care services at its Far Rockaway campus. The project is intended to increase access to critical care services for residents of the Rockaway Peninsula and surrounding communities.
As part of the New York State Department of Health Certificate of Need process, Episcopal Health Services completed a Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) evaluating the potential impact of the proposed project on access to and delivery of health care services, particularly for medically underserved populations.
Certificate of Need: 262046-C
Applicant: Episcopal Health Services, Inc. / St. John’s Episcopal Hospital
Project: Increasing Critical Care Access – 21 Bed Critical Care Unit Expansion and Modernization
HEIA Independent Entity: Crescendo Consulting Group
Public Documents
Health Equity Impact Assessment Summary
The assessment found broad community support for expanding critical care capacity. Community engagement identified improved access to critical care, reduced wait times, fewer transfers off the Rockaway Peninsula, and improved access to care closer to home as anticipated benefits. Concerns identified through the assessment included potential congestion, access to emergency care in other areas of the peninsula, and ensuring appropriate staffing.
The assessment also evaluated potential impacts on medically underserved populations, including low-income residents, racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, people with disabilities, older adults, individuals receiving public health benefits, and other populations experiencing barriers to health care.