On October 3, 2023, Maimonides Medical Center officially opened Brooklyn’s largest pediatric emergency department, a significant investment aimed at improving specialized care for children in the borough. The newly expanded facility is designed to accommodate over 30,000 children annually and is four times larger than its predecessor, reflecting the increasing demand for pediatric services in the area.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, community leaders and hospital officials highlighted the importance of this new space. Dr. Jeffrey R. Avner, chairman of pediatrics at Maimonides Health, emphasized the stark reality facing the borough: “There are 600,000 children in this borough and only one children’s hospital—let that sink in for a minute.” This expansion aims to alleviate some of the pressure on families seeking emergency care for their children.
State-of-the-Art Facilities for Pediatric Care
The expanded pediatric emergency department features private rooms, advanced imaging technology, and facilities tailored specifically for young patients. Dr. Eitan Dickman, chair of emergency medicine at Maimonides, pointed out the significance of the new department, noting, “This children’s emergency department is only one of 13 pediatric trauma centers in all of New York State.”
Maimonides Health’s president and CEO, Ken Gibbs, discussed future plans to further enhance services. He stated that the expansion will free up space across the street, allowing for the doubling of adult emergency services within the next 12 to 18 months. This strategic move is aimed at improving overall healthcare delivery in the community.
Addressing Community Needs and Parental Concerns
The project, nearly a decade in the making, marks a crucial step in addressing the healthcare needs of children in Brooklyn. New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams highlighted the challenges faced by families: “As we see healthcare being cut, being slashed, people try to figure out where they can get healthcare. It’s an honor to be in a place that is not only saying we’re going to continue to get healthcare, we’re going to expand.”
Local officials also shared personal stories that underscored the emotional toll of pediatric emergency care. State Senator Stephen Chan recounted an experience when his daughter required stitches at Maimonides, expressing the anxiety parents face in such situations. Rev. Roxy Birchfield echoed these sentiments, recalling the fear she felt when her daughter, Hunter, suffered a fracture during figure skating practice. Birchfield expressed gratitude for the specialized care, stating, “I’m so grateful that, honestly, people want to specialize in things, and they really understand that there is a huge difference between the adult body and our children’s bodies.”
Hunter Birchfield added that the staff’s compassionate approach made her feel reassured, saying, “They made me feel like everything was gonna be OK, and nothing would hurt.”
With this significant investment in child healthcare, Maimonides Medical Center aims to reduce stress for families and provide critical care that is both accessible and less overwhelming. The newly inaugurated pediatric emergency department stands as a testament to the commitment of healthcare leaders to meet the growing needs of the community.
