Governor Hochul Celebrates Groundbreaking of $650 Million Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Expansion and Modernization Project in Rochester

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking of the $650 million Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department expansion and modernization project in Rochester. The project at the University of Rochester Medical Center's Strong Memorial Hospital will significantly expand and modernize the hospital's emergency department, more than tripling the size of the existing emergency department and providing more than 650,000 square feet of new hospital space. The project was awarded $50 million through the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program IV.

"Today marks a monumental step forward for health care in Rochester and the surrounding area as we break ground on this transformational expansion of Strong Memorial Hospital,” Governor Hochul said. “This is not just an investment in a building - it's an investment in the well-being of our community, ensuring that every resident has access to state-of-the-art medical services and care where and when they need it most."

The current 55,000-square-foot facility at Strong Memorial Hospital, the region's only Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, receives more than 100,000 emergency department visitors annually. The expansion project will more than triple the size of the emergency department, thereby easing overcrowding situations and reducing wait times for admission to hospital.

The project is the largest in the University of Rochester's history and is expected to be completed in 2027 consisting of two components:

• Add more than 200 examination/treatment and patient observation stations in phases to the ED and the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). The ED and CPEP footprint will more than triple, from 32,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet.
• A new nine-story inpatient bed tower, which will add ED space, floors for future operating rooms and treatment services, including cardiovascular specialties, and more than 100 private inpatient rooms.

University of Rochester President Sarah Mangelsdorf said, "We would like to thank Governor Hochul, Commissioner McDonald, and the Rochester-Finger Lakes NYS delegation for all of their support. The $50 million in state support for this underscores the important public benefit and role Strong Memorial Hospital plays in meeting the most urgent and life-saving health needs of our community and across upstate New York."

Dr. Mark Taubman, University of Rochester Medical Center CEO and Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry said, "Today marks a new beginning for Strong Memorial Hospital and the University of Rochester as we move to expand and modernize our facility to meet the care needs of our region well into the 21st century. We are honored to celebrate with so many incredible leaders and community supporters whose partnership has been instrumental in getting us to this step in our journey. Thank you to Governor Hochul and our state delegation for their steadfast leadership.”

The Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program is aimed at supporting efforts to reduce health care costs and improve the health outcomes of New Yorkers by expanding access to inpatient, primary, preventative, and other ambulatory care services as part of regionally integrated health care delivery systems. These awards are also focused on projects which will help ensure the financial sustainability of safety net health care providers, and the preservation or expansion of essential health care services.

Statewide IV was established in the FY2023 Budget and authorized up to $200 million for emergency department modernizations of regional significance. To receive funding, hospitals needed to demonstrate how the proposed project will strengthen and protect continued access to health care services in communities. Only Level 1 Trauma Centers serving a high percentage of Medicaid patients were eligible to apply. Level 1 Trauma Centers provide the highest level of trauma care to critically ill or injured patients.

The Department of Health will award another $950 million through additional phases of Statewide IV. The FY 2024 Budget also includes $1 billion in additional funding to establish Statewide V.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “I’m proud to deliver funding for Strong Memorial Hospital because this project will ensure the Greater Rochester community will continue to receive state-of-the-art health care for decades to come,” said Senator Schumer. “The healthcare heroes at Strong Memorial Hospital provide the utmost level of care to the community, and it’s crucial that they have the space and resources they need to continue their vital work. With the largest project in their history, University of Rochester Medical Center is putting the needs of their workers and patients at the forefront and I applaud them for their continued dedication to the community.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Strong Memorial Hospital provides lifesaving care to countless patients in the Greater Rochester region. The Strong Expansion project will ensure that Strong is one of the most advanced hospitals in the country and will increase efficiency, convenience and bed capacity for patients. I am excited to see this project enter the construction phase and will continue to fight for New York’s hospitals.”

Representative Joe Morelle said, “Improving access to high quality, affordable healthcare in our community is one of my top priorities and I am proud to have delivered funding that helped make today possible,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “With cutting-edge technology, a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals, and a patient-centered approach, UR Strong Memorial Hospital is ensuring that world-class emergency care is always within the reach of every person who needs it. Together, we are setting the stage for a brighter, healthier future for our community.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The state investment in this important project tells the people of Rochester and the Finger Lakes that protecting and promoting their health and wellbeing is a top priority. I thank the governor for the investment in what will be a state-of-the-art emergency room serving this region, and for all she has done to improve health care across New York State."

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Strong Memorial Hospital is a true healthcare gem in our community,” said Senator Cooney. “The hospital is a vital source of essential care and its expansion means top-notch facilities, cutting-edge technology, and improved patient experiences will be available to even more individuals. The 650,000 square foot project will nearly quadruple the size of the new Emergency Department, further enhancing the quality of care for countless Rochester families. I am proud to support this historic investment towards a more accessible and efficient healthcare hub.”

State Senator Samra Brouk said, "As Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Mental Health, I have heard countless stories about the urgent need to expand Emergency Departments and to create spaces for psychiatric emergency care. This historic expansion will not only transform our local healthcare landscape, but will help provide our friends and neighbors with the lifesaving, compassionate care they deserve. I’m proud to have worked alongside my partners in government to secure the necessary funding for this project, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure that every person can access quality, affordable healthcare.”

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, “The Strong URMC expansion is critical to supporting better health outcomes for our community by increasing emergency medical care and recovery space. Expanding emergency services is particularly necessary to address the mental health challenges our families, and especially our young people, are experiencing, and the new care centers will alleviate wait times when it matters most. I am proud to support this project for the positives it will bring to our County - especially the benefits to patients.”

Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “I am honored to be part of the groundbreaking for URMC's Strong Memorial Hospital Expansion. Providing better healthcare services to the community is a worthy initiative. By improving patient experiences and providing the necessary infrastructure, this groundbreaking project will enhance the hospital's capacity to meet the growing needs of patients. It is important that we continue to take every step necessary to improve the health and welfare of our community. I look forward to the success and achievements of this substantial addition to URMC. Thank you to the staff of URMC Strong Memorial Hospital for their continued commitment to the members of our community.”

Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford said, "URMC already provides invaluable service to our community. URMC serves as our region's only Level 1 trauma center and dedicated children's hospital. This expansion, the largest in URMC history, is critical to the health and well being of New Yorkers across the Finger Lakes region. I am incredibly proud to have helped secure $50 million state funding to expedite this project and ensure that we are able to meet emergency needs for everyone from birth to end of life. URMC is an important asset to our city, county and the entire State."

Assemblymember Josh Jensen said, "Today’s groundbreaking at the University of Rochester Medical Center signifies another example of Rochester continuing to lead the way. With the expansion of Strong Memorial Hospital, our community will have one of the nation’s largest hospitals and one that is uniquely equipped to address the needs of our region and those that call it home," said Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C-Greece) Ranking Member on the Assembly Health Committee. "I applaud the University of Rochester for their commitment to this project and their dedication to the community, patients, families, providers and staff they serve."

County Executive Adam Bello said, “The Emergency Department expansion project will have a transformative impact on URMC’s Strong Memorial Hospital and our entire community,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “This strategic investment in our healthcare system will preserve and expand emergency medical care for patients throughout the Finger Lakes region, especially for underserved communities.”

Mayor Malik Evans said, “This expansion will transform our region for generations to come and the healthcare and economic benefits from it are invaluable,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “I want to thank URMC and Governor Hochul for making this a reality for our community. We’re not just breaking ground for buildings to rise today, we’re planting seeds of hope so our city will rise.”