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Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse is set to receive $450 million from the New York State budget to construct a new emergency room. This funding will replace the hospital's outdated and overcrowded emergency department, which currently serves a 14-county region in Upstate New York. The hospital treats three times as many patients as it can accommodate, with an average ER wait time of five hours, causing one in seven patients to leave without care.
Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed the funding, which was initially proposed at $200 million in her budget. However, state lawmakers, including those from Central New York, successfully advocated for the full amount, citing the urgent need for expansion due to chronic overcrowding and the hospital's status as the second busiest adult trauma center in New York state.
The new emergency department will be four times the current size and will include more beds, mental health emergency capacity, and an enhanced burn unit. The expansion is crucial as Central New York prepares for significant growth with the upcoming Micron semiconductor plant.
State Senator Christopher Ryan emphasized that these investments are essential for meeting the demands of a growing regional economy. The funding will also support the Onondaga County Water Authority's infrastructure projects related to the Micron plant.
Dr. Robert Corona highlighted the importance of having a comprehensive trauma center, stating, "You have head trauma, you need a neurosurgeon. You have cardiac trauma, you need a heart surgeon."
The funding will enable Upstate Medical Center to better serve its community and prepare for future demands. The project is expected to significantly improve healthcare access and quality in the region.