NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull Announces Renovations to Psychiatric Unit to Enhance Patient Care and Safety
Improvements to environment, safety features, and staff workflows provide a modern, secure, and comfortable space that supports both patients and healthcare professionals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull today announced the completion of a major renovation project within its Psychiatric Unit to improve the facility’s safety, functionality, and patient care. These upgrades are part of Woodhull Hospital’s ongoing commitment to create a supportive and secure environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.
“We are committed to continuously improving the environment in which we provide care,” said Gregory Calliste, Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “The end result is a space that not only meets the highest standards of patient care and safety but also provides a more modern and efficient environment for our patients and staff.”
“A huge thank you to all of the interdisciplinary teams that worked so hard to provide such a beautiful, safe and functional new space for our behavioral health patients,” Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie, Chief Operating Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “The refurbished space also allows for enhanced staff safety and use of updated support spaces to better serve our patients. Special thanks to the facilities, engineering, security, support, IT and maintenance trade staff that performed all of the work. Kudos to you all!”
“We are so proud of the growth of our behavioral health department, and opening another inpatient unit is such an important milestone in a continuing journey,” said Dr. Ross MacDonald, Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “We are grateful for all the hard work that goes into preparing the unit so that our clinical staff can provide compassionate care in a safe environment.”
“Upgrading Woodhull’s Psychiatric Unit was a critical project for the facilities team,” said Manuel Saez, PhD., Vice President, NYC Health + Hospitals Office of Facilities Development. “Our staff worked tirelessly to create a safe and efficient environment for patients to heal.”
The Psychiatric Unit’s interior features a redesigned nurses’ station, providing a smoother workflow for staff and making their workspace more efficient and organized. Harmonious, and calming hues of fresh paint and new flooring brighten the entire space, offering a vibrant, and calming atmosphere. The space also boasts brand-new, modern furnishing, each chosen for their comfort and contemporary style, ensuring that patients enjoy a safe, welcoming, and restorative environment.
The unit’s renovation also prioritized security, with new BHS-approved dome mirrors providing enhanced visibility and supervision. The installation of energy-efficient LED lighting creates an inviting atmosphere throughout, and all doors and sprinkler systems were replaced to meet current safety standards. The installation of Mold Tough ceiling panels enhances fire safety and meets the highest hygiene standards, ensuring a cleaner, safer environment for staff and patients. Ceiling-mounted fire suppression devices add another layer of protection, minimizing ligature risks, while low-maintenance countertops in treatment areas offer both practicality and durability.
“Providing our patients, a brand new, refurbished space reflects our commitment to their care,” Dr. Rajvee Vora, Chief of Psychiatry, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, Clinical Associate Professor, NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “We are so proud to treat our marginalized and vulnerable patients with dignity and respect. The units reflect the teamwork and collaboration across all the disciplines at Woodhull. A huge shout out to the clinical staff who have spent time advocating and caring for our patients and their safety.”
“Today we celebrate the teamwork here at Woodhull,” Dr. Kristen Baumann, Associate Executive Director Behavioral Health Service, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “The refurbished units enhance the staff and patient experience; provide a safer environment for all and make visual the changes we are bringing to the Behavioral Health Service.”
“We truly appreciate the opportunity to welcome patients and staff to the newly redesigned space that incorporates a therapeutic milieu for both,” said Althea Senior-Morris, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull.
“Woodhull is proud to reopen Psychiatric Unit 4,” said Rhonnie Jackson, Director of Nursing, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. “The newly renovated unit includes upgrades to the nursing station, better lighting, and a newly added Comfort Room for outpatients. The Behavioral Health Department continues to support and provide exceptional care to the community. Kudos to the team that put in the long, hard hours to make this come to fruition.”
These renovations demonstrate NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull’s continued commitment to safety, sustainability, and fostering a welcoming, comfortable environment for both patients and staff, all while upholding the highest standards of care and prioritizing the well-being of its patients.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Julissa Herrera, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, 718-963-8629
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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, part of the NYC Health + Hospitals health care system, is the major tertiary care provider in the borough of Brooklyn. It is a premiere health care organization for key specialties, including surgery, cardiology, women’s health, pediatrics, rehabilitation medicine, renal services, and behavioral health services. Last year, the hospital received close to 300,000 ambulatory care visits and close to 100,000 emergency room visits. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation, serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
