October 16, 2024 – State Senators Jabari Brisport and Andrew Gounardes, along with Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, have announced $2 million in funding to renovate the escalators at the entrance of The Brooklyn Hospital Center.

The escalators, which broke down last spring, left many vulnerable patients with limited access to the hospital.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the elected officials shared the news of state funding allocated for the escalator repairs.

“As a nurse and a lifelong Brooklyn resident, I know how critical it is for our hospitals to have the resources they need to provide safe, timely care,” says Assemblymember Forrest. “Escalators may seem like a small part of hospital infrastructure, but they are essential to ensuring patients, staff, and equipment can move efficiently through the building. I’m proud to have secured funding for new elevators at Brooklyn Hospital Center, which will help improve access and safety for everyone who relies on this vital institution in our community.”

Brooklyn Hospital is considered a “safety net” hospital, serving a critical role for residents, many of whom cannot afford private insurance. Nearly 80% of its patients rely on some form of government insurance. The 464-bed facility depends heavily on government funding to cover its expenses and provide care, making it difficult to secure $2 million for unexpected capital repairs.

“We were able to help Brooklyn Hospital with this critical need with state funding allocated through our office,” says Senator Brisport. “Failing escalators is precisely the type of emergency that this funding is for. Brooklyn Hospital is a vital resource for the 25^th Senate District where I serve, and the borough of Brooklyn as a whole.”

Brooklyn Hospital can now continue delivering high-quality care to a community that has historically been underserved.

“When Brooklyn Hospital needed help, our office was there to lend a hand,” says Senator Gounardes. “We cannot afford to let institutions that serve the public fail. We need them to function properly and provide the best service they can. I am proud to help the hospital system with this critical infrastructure need.”

The two escalators transport patients and staff from the lobby to the hospital’s operating rooms and other critical areas. Without them, delays could disrupt movement throughout the facility and potentially hinder a patient from receiving urgent care.

“These escalators are the lifeblood for moving patients and doctors in and out of the hospital,” says Hospital President and CEO Gary Terrinoni. “This ensures a seamless path for new mothers, elderly patients and those who may have disabilities or trouble walking. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to Senators Brisport and Gounardes along with Assemblymember Forrest. This makes a huge difference for all of us at the hospital.”

Brooklyn Hospital handles approximately 30 patient discharges daily for those who have been admitted.