NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull has initiated a significant renovation project for its Labor and Birthing Suite, backed by a financial commitment of $20 million. This enhancement, which began on August 21, 2023, includes $11 million in funding from borough capital resources. The project aims to modernize and expand the suite, ensuring better services for families in North Brooklyn, with completion projected for fall 2027.
Enhancements for Families and Staff
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for families, stating, “Every family in Brooklyn deserves to welcome their child into the world in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment.” The renovation will introduce new birthing center rooms equipped with hydrotherapy tubs, an improved recovery area, and expanded operating rooms designed to streamline workflow and accommodate advanced medical equipment.
In addition, the facility will incorporate a simulation lab to enhance staff training on various delivery scenarios. Other planned upgrades include enhanced family comfort spaces, reorganized nurse stations, and renovated medicine and recovery rooms. The hospital staff will also benefit from updated facilities, including break rooms, locker rooms, and on-call suites.
To minimize disruption, construction will be executed in phases, allowing patients to continue receiving uninterrupted care throughout the renovation process. Woodhull Hospital, which recorded nearly 1,000 births in 2024, is one of three city hospitals receiving targeted investment aimed at improving maternal care.
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities
This investment aligns with Reynoso’s broader maternal health agenda, which includes the establishment of the Maternal Health Task Force, funding for educational campaigns, and support for hospital infrastructure. Community-based programs like the “Born in Brooklyn” baby boxes and the Community Baby Shower Fund also form part of this initiative. Recently, his office collaborated with Brooklyn College to introduce New York State’s first Advanced Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health.
“At NYC Health + Hospitals, we know that continued investment in our facilities is crucial to the communities we serve,” stated Manuel Saez, Vice President of the Office of Facilities Development. He added that the upgrades to Woodhull’s Labor and Birthing Suite would facilitate a higher level of service and experience for families in North Brooklyn.
These enhancements are part of ongoing efforts to address maternal health disparities in New York City, where Black women face a maternal mortality rate that is eight times higher than that of their white counterparts. The renovations at Woodhull Hospital represent a critical step toward improving maternal healthcare access and outcomes in the region.
