Lawmakers in Central New York are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to allocate $450 million for a new emergency room at SUNY Upstate Hospital in Syracuse. The hospital, which serves as the region's only Level 1 trauma center, is facing severe overcrowding and outdated facilities. The current emergency department is over 60 years old and has the second longest wait times in New York State, with more than 7,500 patients leaving without treatment in 2023.
A bipartisan group of ten lawmakers, including Assemblymembers William Magnarelli and Pam Hunter, and State Senators Rachel May and Joseph Griffo, sent a letter to Governor Hochul in December. They emphasized the critical role of the hospital and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. The letter stated, "This $450 million investment is critical to the healthcare of our region and will assist in the economic revival that you have led in our region."
The proposed funding would double the ER's capacity, add burn unit beds, and expand operating rooms. According to CNY Central, the hospital's leadership has expressed gratitude for Governor Hochul's commitment to healthcare and looks forward to working with her to meet regional needs.
Governor Hochul is expected to outline her priorities in the upcoming State of the State address, with her proposed 2025-26 budget to be released later this month. The decision on funding will significantly impact healthcare access and quality in Central New York.