Governor Kathy Hochul announced that UHS has been awarded a total of $26 million to conduct a massive overhaul of the emergency department (ED) at UHS Binghamton General Hospital that will also modernize and expand its behavioral health facilities to meet the evolving needs of the community. The project will relocate the existing Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) to the second floor of the hospital, which will allow it to triple in size from its existing configuration.
“All New Yorkers deserve access to high-quality medical care, and this investment will transform the way Binghamton General Hospital provides both physical and behavioral health treatment in the Southern Tier,” Governor Hochul said. “This project represents our full commitment to modernize our healthcare services and to ensure these facilities also have space to provide top-notch services to anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis.”
This investment will support a $75 million project, recently approved by the Board of Directors of UHS, to construct a new, two-story building at UHS Binghamton General Hospital.
Safety for our patients and staff is always a top priority at UHS, reflected in our ongoing commitment to the Respect and Heal initiative. This project will improve safety, efficiency and quality for both patients and staff at BGH, while protecting patient privacy and building capacity to meet current and future community needs.
“We are deeply grateful to NYS for this investment of $26 million in the health of our community," said UHS President and Chief Executive Officer John M. Carrigg. “This funding will allow us to build an emergency and behavioral health environment that puts safety first for our patients and the team members who care for them. Everyone who comes through our doors at UHS Binghamton General deserves to feel safe, respected, and cared for and this project will make that vision a reality.”
The new 27,650-square-foot emergency department will include 30 beds in private rooms and a greatly expanded waiting area. The modernization project will also build two resuscitation bays and a flex area for behavioral health evaluation and treatment.
“This investment will help ensure that patients in the Southern Tier receive care in a modern, safe and supportive environment designed to meet their needs,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “By expanding emergency department capacity and significantly enhancing behavioral health services, Governor Hochul is strengthening the healthcare services communities depend on and improving access to critical care for generations to come.”
The project will also relocate the existing CPEP from its location in the emergency department to a separate space on the second floor of the building, tripling its size and incorporating a large waiting area that is lacking in the existing unit. The new 14,400-square-foot space will feature a new, private entrance separate from the emergency department, 12 extended observation beds and separated spaces for voluntary and involuntary patients.
The Office of Mental Health (OMH) previously awarded the project $1 million in capital funding to improve the milieu of the existing CPEP and expand capacity. The unit provides psychiatric emergency services to more than 5,500 children and adults annually.
The CPEP at UHS Binghamton General is among 21 programs and three satellites operating statewide. These programs provide treatment in a safe and comfortable environment for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, including those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, intellectual and development disabilities, and medical conditions.
“CPEPs serve as a primary entry point into the mental health system for individuals seeking crisis treatment,” OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “The investment to expand and modernize Binghamton General’s program will enable this hospital to enhance safety, increase capacity, and above all, greatly improve the experience of the people receiving treatment. This funding reflects Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to investing in health care to meet the evolving needs of communities across our state.”
Currently, the ED and CPEP at UHS Binghamton General share one entrance and waiting room, creating challenges for patient privacy and safety. Meanwhile, demand for emergency care in our region continues to grow.
Once completed, this modernization will position UHS Binghamton General, along with UHS Wilson Medical Center, as the region’s preferred destination for emergency, behavioral health and medical-surgical care.
See photos from Thursday's press conference and check presentation below.
