Northwell Phelps Hospital has unveiled its fully modernized, 22,754-square-foot maternal child health center, following a four-year, $24.5M renovation. Located on the fourth floor of the hospital’s main building at 701 N. Broadway, this state-of-the-art facility offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River and transforms the entire floor into a premier birthing center, supporting the health and well-being of mothers and newborns.
The newly renovated center features four modern labor and delivery rooms with tubs, two triage rooms and a triage bay, two operating rooms, a two-bed recovery room and 15 private postpartum rooms with en suite bathrooms. It includes a dedicated well-baby nursery and a five-bed nursery suite staffed by neonatologists for immediate care and stabilization of sick newborns. The project includes a new welcome area, a family waiting room, a conference room for family and staff education, and staff support areas such as lounges, on-call rooms, restrooms, changing rooms, offices and storage. These enhancements aim to improve patient flow, experience, and staff efficiency.
“The completion of a beautiful Maternal Child Health Center represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of our community,” said Beata Mastalerz, DNP, RN, president of Phelps Hospital. “The project has reimagined the entire floor with modern amenities, enhanced privacy and improved spaces for both patients and staff. It’s like having a baby at a boutique bed and breakfast overlooking the Hudson River, while receiving medical expertise, cutting-edge-technology and personalized care.”
Earlier this year, Phelps Hospital launched Northwell Health’s Maternal Outcomes (MOMs) Navigation program, designed to improve outcomes for high-risk patients and address racial disparities in maternal care. The program offers education and social support to those with complex medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and mental health issues, as well as socioeconomic challenges. The initiative has already shown significant success and led to a 20 percent reduction in rehospitalizations within a month delivery at Northwell hospitals in Queens and Nassau County.
“This state-of-the-art maternal child health center allows us to provide the highest level of care with a focus on safety, comfort and outcomes,” said Karen Murray, MD, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Phelps Hospital. “With advanced technology, private postpartum rooms and 24/7 neonatal support, we are committed to delivering exceptional care to every family. Our goal is to ensure each mother and newborn receives personalized attention during this special time, fostering a safe and supportive start for their journey together.”
In 2022, Phelps Hospital earned international recognition as a Baby-Friendly birth facility for its commitment to the highest standards of infant feeding care during the critical first days of a newborn’s life. The designation, awarded by Baby-Friendly USA as part of a global initiative by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, follows a rigorous review process that occurs every five years. Phelps, which delivers nearly 1,000 babies annually, was one of the first hospitals in New York State to receive this honor when it was initially designated in 2016. In addition, the hospital has received a five-star rating from Healthgrades for C-section delivery for the past two years.
