St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s new LDRP Unit Brings Hope, Healing, and Heartfelt Care

Far Rockaway, New York, May 8, 2025 — This Mother’s Day, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, part of Episcopal Health Services (EHS), is celebrating the upcoming opening of its new Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) unit, expected to be completed this summer. The state-of-the-art unit will expand access to high-quality compassionate maternal care for families on the Rockaway Peninsula, the Five Towns, and surrounding communities.

“For over a decade, we’ve been focused on enhancing and expanding access to women’s health services across the Rockaways,” said Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer of EHS. “When we conducted our Community Health Needs Assessment residents expressed a clear need for an improved labor and delivery infrastructure. We heard that call and incorporated it into our strategic plan. This new LDRP unit is a result of a community-driven vision and has been made possible thanks to the unwavering support of every level of government and generous private donors. It represents our ongoing commitment to equitable, high-quality care for all.”

The new unit will improve the birthing experience by allowing new mothers to remain in the same room throughout their stay, enhancing comfort, promoting bonding, and providing a more seamless care experience.

“This is more than just a new unit, it’s a reflection of how deeply we value the women and families who entrust us with their care,” said Jacqueline Marecheau, MD, FACOG, EHS Chairperson, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. “We are deeply committed to giving every patient a safe, dignified, and supportive birthing experience.”

“This LDRP unit brings best-in-class, person-centered care to the communities we serve,” said Karen Paige, MBA, RN, CPHQ, CPPS, CPXP, OCN, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at EHS. “At EHS, we are deeply committed to modernizing our facilities, with dignity, compassion, and the patient experience at the forefront. The LDRP embodies that commitment.”

The state-of-the-art LDRP unit will include six spacious private suites, each fully equipped for newborn care and outfitted with a sleeper couch for family—designed for true rooming-in so that mother and baby remain together throughout their stay. It will also feature advanced cesarean operating rooms and dedicated recovery and triage rooms, ensuring high-quality care for mothers and babies.

While construction continues on the new LDRP unit, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital has also renovated its Labor and Delivery unit on Tower 7 to enhance privacy and comfort for expectant mothers. These upgrades demonstrate EHS’ continued commitment to creating a patient-centered, welcoming environment for members of our community.