What We Fought For
- Funding for a new hospital that the residents of Brooklyn need and deserve.
- Brooklyn for Downstate formed in October 2024 to rally support to meet the needs of our community, which was led by data, research, and direct engagement with health care professionals, architects, and our neighbors served by SUNY Downstate University Hospital (Downstate).
Why
- On January 15, 2024, Chancellor John King announced a “transformation plan” for Downstate.
- The Chancellor’s plan called for farming out inpatient, emergency and other essential services to neighboring hospitals and relegating what was left of Downstate to a wing within Kings County Hospital.
- The Chancellor’s plan was to close the hospital, which our community would not stand for.
Where We Are Now
- Downstate Hospital will not close, and all inpatient and outpatient services will be maintained.
- The Community’s Plan was submitted by Brooklyn for Downstate, which was considered by the state-appointed Downstate Community Advisory Board.
- Many of our data-informed recommendations were included in the final proposal submitted to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
- On June 5, the Governor announced over $1 billion to renovate, expand and improve Downstate’s services and facilities, including:
- Building an ambulatory surgery center adjacent to the hospital on the old parking lot site.
- Supporting 225 operational beds after converting all inpatient rooms from double occupancy to private rooms with showers.
- Modernizing and expanding the emergency department.
- Renovating and modernizing spaces for specialized inpatient services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
- Fully upgrading the hospital’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure.
What’s Next
- Brooklyn for Downstate was created by community members who will continue to live, work, and advocate for a better Brooklyn, especially as renovations begin at our hospital.
- We remain committed as individuals to supporting SUNY Downstate University Hospital and ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the renovation process.
- Our website will remain a community resource. We look forward, like so many of you, to the completion of the new SUNY Downstate University Hospital.