Showing posts with label Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Report explores the impact of Mount Sinai Beth Israel's potential closure on the local community

A new report outlines how the pending closure of Mount Sinai Beth Israel on First Avenue at 16th Street will negatively affect vulnerable patients and other medically underserved residents downtown. 

Members of the Community Coalition to Save Beth Israel and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary were joined Monday by Assemblymember Harvey Epstein and State Sen. Kirsten Gonzalez at the Community Board 3 office on Fourth Street to release the results of the health equity impact assessment that explores the consequences of closing Beth Israel. 

Among the results from the report, titled "Lower Manhattan Lifeline: What Beth Israel Medical Center Means to Local Residents" (copy here): 

• Lower Manhattan seriously lacks hospital capacity. Below 14th Street, there is only one full-service hospital with 180 beds for more than 300,000 people. That's less than one hospital bed per 1,000 people — far below the state and national averages of 2.4 beds per 1,000 people.

• Closure of the nearest hospital above 14th Street — Beth Israel — would send people needing emergency care to Bellevue and NYU Langone, which are already "high volume" ERs with average wait times of more than three hours. 

• People with disabilities and frail elderly people, some of whom have depended on Beth Israel for their entire lives, are terrified of losing what they regard as their community hospital and worried about the cost and physical challenges of traveling to uptown Mount Sinai hospitals. 

• The zip codes from which significant percentages of Beth Israel patients are drawn — especially 10002 — include some of the city’s poorest residents, higher-than-citywide rates of public insurance, speaking a language other than English at home, and having only a high school or less education. These are the people who told our surveyors they fear the closure of Beth Israel will leave them without nearby hospital care. 

"There are massive equity implications to Mount Sinai's attempt to close Beth Israel Hospital," Epstein said. "The results of the health equity impact survey show that people with disabilities and low-income folks will suffer the most. The closure of MSBI would disproportionately impact the most vulnerable people in our community. We will not stop fighting to preserve this vital neighborhood hospital." 

Organizers sent a copy of the report to New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald, who must decide whether to approve the Mount Sinai Health System's request to close Beth Israel. 

Beth Israel executives have said that the closure is necessary because the hospital has racked up over $1 billion in losses in recent years.

As previously reported, there's a pending July 12, 2024, closing date on the books. In October, officials reportedly notified state regulators — who must sign off on their plans — of their request to shutter the 799-bed teaching hospital.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Reports: State directs Mount Sinai to stop its closure of Beth Israel

ICYMI: The New York State Department of Health has ordered Mount Sinai to "immediately stop" the closure of its Beth Israel campus on First Avenue at 16th Street. 

"Continuing to close beds without approval is unlawful and may result in civil penalties of $2,000 per day for each day that the beds or services are closed without approval," wrote Stephanie Shulman, director of the Division of Hospitals and Diagnostic and Treatment Centers at the health department, to Elizabeth Sellman, Beth Israel’s president and CEO. 

The letter also said the department would pursue other remedies, such as a court order, if the closures don't stop.
Background: 
Mount Sinai submitted a proposal to the state health department in October to close Beth Israel by July 2024. The health system then submitted an addendum last month saying it would be necessary to close some services before the end of the year because of an exodus of doctors and decreased patient volume, which it said put patient safety at risk. 
Reaction: There is also a survey for community members to let the New York State Department of Health know how important the community hospital is... and why Beth Israel needs to be be saved. Find the survey here.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

A rally this morning to speak out about the pending closure of Mount Sinai Beth Israel

Local community advocates and elected officials are gathering this morning to speak out against Mount Sinai's announcement to close their Beth Israel facility on First Avenue at 16th Street. 

Per the invite: 
The decision comes suddenly as the public was alerted in the last three weeks that the hospital would close by summer 2024. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s wider exposure of systemic inequities in New York City's health care system, particularly in regard to the increasingly low levels of inpatient beds provided to under-served communities, the community is rallying to demand the availability of services. 

With the closure of Mount Sinai Beth Israel, there will be one hospital south of 23rd Street, an area that has a population of 400,000 people. Councilmember Rivera will lead a rally letting Mt. Sinai know that we need our hospital! 
The rally starts at 11 a.m. today (Dec. 14) on the NW corner of 17th Street and First Avenue.

As previously reported, there's a pending July 12, 2024, closing date on the books. In October, officials reportedly notified state regulators — who must sign off on their plans — of their request to shutter the 799-bed teaching hospital.  

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

A public meeting (tonight) about the pending closure of Mount Sinai Beth Israel on 1st Avenue

EVG file photo by Stacie Joy 

Mount Sinai officials are hosting a public forum tonight on the proposed closure of the Mount Sinai Beth Israel 16th Street campus on First Avenue. 

As previously reported, there's a pending July 12, 2024, closing date on the books. Last month, officials reportedly notified state regulators — who must sign off on their plans — of their request to shutter the 799-bed teaching hospital. 

Per the meeting flyer (which we only just received): 
Mount Sinai Beth Israel executives will discuss the plans for Downtown, the timeline on closure, and how Mount Sinai will continue to address the needs of the community now and in the future. After the presentation, there will be a Q&A open to the public.
Tonight's meeting (6-8) is inside Baruch College's Engleman Hall, at 55 Lexington Ave. at 25th Street. 

The news of the closure here drew immediate criticism from health advocates and elected officials, who say downtown Manhattan is underserved and emergency response times are already high. 

Per the Times from Nov. 3: 
The closure would mean longer ambulance rides and wait times for some downtown residents having strokes and heart attacks, nurses who work at the hospital said. And it will most likely lead to overcrowding and longer wait times in emergency rooms at hospitals farther uptown.

Monday, October 30, 2023

Reports: Mount Sinai proposed July 2024 closing date for Beth Israel's 16th Street campus

Photo by Stacie Joy

According to published reports (including Crain's and Becker's Hospital Review), Mount Sinai Beth Israel's 16th Street campus now has a proposed July 12, 2024, closing date.

The date was revealed after the health system presented a plan last Wednesday to state authorities on the closure of the 799-bed teaching hospital on First Avenue.

Last month, Mount Sinai officials stated they would phase out operations here, though didn't provide a timeline.

Per Becker's on Friday:
 "We do not take this decision lightly, but due to the changing healthcare landscape and the unfortunate economic reality at MSBI, urgent action is required to preserve the health and vitality of the overall system," Mount Sinai said in a statement. 

The hospital is running at only 20% to 25% capacity and has incurred more than $1 billion in losses, with 2023 losses expected to be approximately $150 million, the hospital said. 
Mount Sinai officials have said that they remain committed to other facilities it operates downtown.

There's also speculation that Mount Sinai Beth Israel, the parent corporation of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, might try to sell the property it owns on 14th Street and Second Avenue, 13th Street and Second Avenue, and 13th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue — which "could fetch up to $70 million if sold for apartment-building construction," per the Post back in February.  

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Reports: Mount Sinai will phase out Beth Israel on 1st Avenue and 16th Street

Photo by Stacie Joy

ICYMI: Last Thursday, citing ongoing financial difficulties, including an expected $150-million loss this year, Mount Sinai announced that it will phase out its Beth Israel facility on 16th Street and First Avenue. 

Hospital officials said this in a statement: "This decision comes after recent financial changes, including significant increases in labor and supply costs, and years of decreasing inpatient census as care continues to move to outpatient and non-hospital settings." 

Officials did not provide a timeline for the closure, stating that the emergency department will still receive patients. 

There's speculation that Mount Sinai Beth Israel, the parent corporation of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, might try to sell the property it owns on 14th Street and Second Avenue, 13th Street and Second Avenue, and 13th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue — which "could fetch up to $70 million if sold for apartment-building construction," per the Post back in February. 

Following the news of the closure, local elected officials released this statement... Find more coverage here:

CBS 2 
NY1 
Bloomberg 
Our Town 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Report: A roadblock for the relocation of New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and sale of its land

Mount Sinai Beth Israel's plan to merge New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NYEEI) within its system and then sell the prime real-estate facilities in the East Village has hit a "snag," the Post reports

A New York State Department of Health committee declined the hospital system's merger proposal.
The DOH panel, known as the New York Public Health and Health Planning Council, voted 11-6 to approve the merger, but it was three votes short of the number needed under the panel's rules. Those who voted no said that, among other issues, Mount Sinai had kept the community in the dark about its plans and dodged questions from the DOH itself. 

The committee's vote is not the final word, as it must be affirmed by DOH Acting Commissioner James V. McDonald, who was named to the post on Jan. 1. A source said it was "rare" for a commissioner to overrule the planning council. 
The Infirmary owns two buildings here — 14th Street and Second Avenue and 13th Street and Second Avenue — and the vacant lot on 13th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

Sources told the Post that the parcel "could fetch up to $70 million if sold for apartment-building construction."
Dr. Howard Berliner, a DOH panel member who voted against the merger ... alluded at the hearing to concerns that Mount Sinai aimed to dismantle NYEEI so that it could cash in on a property sale. 

"If I was a real estate developer, I would be drooling at the prospect of getting the [NYEEI] site in the East Village, probably one of the hottest markets in New York City," Berliner said.
Earlier this month, local elected officials wrote to Mount Sinai CEO Kenneth Davis and urged him to pause its proposal.
Last spring, Village Preservation made an appeal to have 218 Second Ave. at 13th Street landmarked.

Monday, June 21, 2021

Report: Mount Sinai Beth Israel decides against plans to relocate and downsize

ICYMI: Mount Sinai Beth Israel officials have decided against their "$1 billion downtown transformation" that would have seen the creation of a new 7-story hospital on 13th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

Instead, officials said they will renovate its existing facilities along First Avenue between 16th Street and 17th Streets. 

According to published reports (Crain's first reported on this last week), officials cited the need for additional hospital beds following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the fall of 2016, the Mount Sinai Health System announced a years-long project to rebuild Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan.

The plans included an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue as well as a 7-story hospital on 13th Street on the lot where a now-demolished 14-floor building that housed training physicians and staff once stood. They also planned to close its current location — with nearly 700 beds — on First Avenue and 16th Street. The new 13th Street hospital would have featured 70 beds.

In a statement last week, the health system shared the following (H/T Becker's Hospital Review):
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to our city, regional health care providers and the Mount Sinai Health System. These changes forced us to assess and rethink many aspects of how we can provide and improve care, including re-envisioning the future of Mount Sinai Beth Israel. 

Under our new plan we will be able to surge to the same bed capacity as we did during the height of COVID, which is also more than twice the surge bed capacity as the old 14th Street plan.
Officials said they'd announce more details on the modernization of their current campus at a later date.

It's not immediately clear what they plan to do with the empty lot on 13th Street that was slated for the new facility...
Local elected officials responded to the news in a series of statements...

"We are heartened by Mount Sinai's decision to renovate Beth Israel and look forward to a robust community engagement process in determining the scope of services needed there." — Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer

"Mount Sinai's announcement to stay at the current location and modernize their facilities is a win for the community, which had expressed significant concerns about losing so many hospital beds in lower Manhattan. They voiced these concerns before we even knew what COVID-19 was, and this pandemic showed us — in the most painful and devastating way — how right they were. But there is still much we don't know about this plan. While Mount Sinai has committed to keeping the existing building, we don't know what the future hospital will look like." — State Sen. Brad Hoylman

"Mount Sinai Beth Israel's decision not to relocate and instead focus efforts on bringing the existing campus into the modern era has the potential to improve health care services for Lower Manhattan residents. But we will only be able to truly address the systemic health care inequities exposed by COVID-19 at Mount Sinai and beyond if the full breadth of community demands are met. This includes the return of previously removed inpatient beds and medical services, as well as a commitment to improved community engagement." — Council Member Carlina Rivera, chair of the City Council Committee on Hospitals.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

A moment of joy outside Mount Sinai Beth Israel



Text and photos by Daniel Efram

My apartment is across from one of the loading docks for the Mount Sinai Beth Israel complex on First Avenue.

Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the sounds around here have been limited to sirens as well as nurses, doctors and health-care workers arriving for their shifts — not to mention the constant presence of hearses, which seem to come and go at all hours.

Yesterday, in one of my rare grocery outings, I heard a huge round of applause as I crossed First Avenue. Several dozen health-care workers had gathered outside of the hospital exit clapping and cheering as a patient who had successfully battled the virus was being released.



It was an unusually beautiful moment. It was tough to focus. I was crying.

Sharing was also deeply emotional. The first place I thought of posting my photos was with the Survivor Corps Facebook Group, which is dedicated to connecting and mobilizing survivors of COVID-19 as well as helping those who have lost loved ones. It's a very humbling place. I was pleased to share a moment of joy.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Have questions or concerns about the new Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital on 2nd Avenue?


[Rendering of the Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital]

You have two chances to hear more about Mount Sinai Beth Israel's plans for new facilities on Second Avenue and 13th Street as well as the Rivington House.

Joining in will be nearly every local elected official...



Per the invite (which only showed up in my inbox last night from a reader): "Voice your concerns about the State review process, medical services, insurance that will be accepted and more."

The first public meeting is tonight (Oct. 29) from 6:30-8:30 at P.S. 20, Essex at Houston. Next Monday (Nov. 4) the meeting moves to the Sirovich Senior Center on 12th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue. Hospital officials are expected to be on-hand to answer questions about the project.

Back in the summer, Mount Sinai Beth Israel officials released more details on their "$1 billion downtown transformation."

For starters, they submitted an application to the state Department of Health to close and relocate Mount Sinai Beth Israel from its current location on First Avenue and 16th Street to Second Avenue and 13th Street.

As previously reported in the fall of 2016, the Mount Sinai Health System is in the midst of its years-long project to rebuild Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan.

The plans include an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue, which includes a new 7-story hospital on 13th Street on the lot where a now-demolished 14-floor building that housed training physicians and staff once stood.

Per the Mount Sinai Beth Israel news release from July:

Demolition for the planned site of the new Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital was completed earlier this year and, pending approvals, Mount Sinai anticipates breaking ground in early 2020.

Expected to open in 2023, the new hospital will feature all private inpatient beds, cutting edge cardiac and neurologic interventional services, an operative platform, and a state-of-the-art emergency department. It will be integrated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, allowing for enhanced Ophthalmologic and ENT clinical services, including a 24/7 eye trauma emergency department, and access to state-of-the-art imaging, pharmacy, and laboratory services. In the meantime, the current MSBI hospital and emergency department will remain fully open and accessible until the opening of the new hospital.

As for the former Rivington House:

Included in the $1 billion Downtown plan is a $140 million commitment to create a comprehensive, community-oriented behavioral health center: The Mount Sinai Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center.

The new facility, located at the site of the current Rivington House, will offer downtown residents a holistic approach to mental health and become a one-stop location for psychiatric, addiction, physical health, and social service needs. ... The site will not include methadone treatment services.

The sale of the Rivington House, a six-story, 119-year-old building at 45 Rivington St., "represents one of Mayor Bill de Blasio's biggest black eyes," as Gothamist once put it.

In February 2015, the Allure Group paid $28 million for the property, promising that 45 Rivington — the former Rivington Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation — would remain a health facility. In November 2015, a city agency lifted the the deed in exchange for the Allure Group's $16 million payment to the city. Allure then reportedly sold the property for $116 million to a development group with designs on a condoplex for the property that overlooks Sara S. Roosevelt Park, unleashing an outpouring of outrage.

The condo plans never moved forward. Crain's first reported on Mount Sinai's plan to lease the space last December. (The move caught Rivington House advocates by surprise.)

Find more info on the Mount Sinai Beth Israel restructuring at their FAQ page.

Previously on EV Grieve:
An empty lot awaits the future home of the new Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital on 13th Street

Permits filed to demolish Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building

Mount Sinai Beth Israel files plan for 7-story hospital on 13th Street

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Mount Sinai Beth Israel offers more details on new East Village hospital, plans for the former Rivington House


[Where the new 7-floor hospital will rise on 13th Street]

Mount Sinai Beth Israel officials yesterday released more details on their "$1 billion downtown transformation."

For starters, they have submitted an application to the state Department of Health to close and relocate Mount Sinai Beth Israel from its current location on First Avenue and 16th Street to Second Avenue and 13th Street.

As previously reported in the fall of 2016, the Mount Sinai Health System is in the midst of its years-long project to rebuild Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan.

The plans include an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue, which includes a new 7-story hospital on 13th Street on the lot where a now-demolished 14-floor building that housed training physicians and staff once stood.

Per the Mount Sinai Beth Israel news release yesterday:

Demolition for the planned site of the new Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital was completed earlier this year and, pending approvals, Mount Sinai anticipates breaking ground in early 2020.

Expected to open in 2023, the new hospital will feature all private inpatient beds, cutting edge cardiac and neurologic interventional services, an operative platform, and a state-of-the-art emergency department. It will be integrated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, allowing for enhanced Ophthalmologic and ENT clinical services, including a 24/7 eye trauma emergency department, and access to state-of-the-art imaging, pharmacy, and laboratory services. In the meantime, the current MSBI hospital and emergency department will remain fully open and accessible until the opening of the new hospital.

And a new rendering of this facility — this is the view of Second Avenue from 13th Street... showing existing structures as well as the revamped current facilities and new hospital...



Also announced yesterday, more details about use of the former Rivington House:

Included in the $1 billion Downtown plan is a $140 million commitment to create a comprehensive, community-oriented behavioral health center: The Mount Sinai Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center.

The new facility, located at the site of the current Rivington House, will offer downtown residents a holistic approach to mental health and become a one-stop location for psychiatric, addiction, physical health, and social service needs. ... The site will not include methadone treatment services.

The sale of the Rivington House, a six-story, 119-year-old building at 45 Rivington St., "represents one of Mayor Bill de Blasio's biggest black eyes," as Gothamist once put it.

In February 2015, the Allure Group paid $28 million for the property, promising that 45 Rivington — the former Rivington Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation — would remain a health facility. In November 2015, a city agency lifted the the deed in exchange for the Allure Group's $16 million payment to the city. Allure then reportedly sold the property for $116 million to a development group with designs on a condoplex for the property that overlooks Sara S. Roosevelt Park, unleashing an outpouring of outrage.

The condo plans never moved forward. Crain's first reported on Mount Sinai's plan to lease the space last December. (The move caught Rivington House advocates by surprise.)

In reporting on yesterday's expansion news, Crain's noted that since acquiring Beth Israel Medical Center in a deal with Continuum Health Partners in 2013, "Mount Sinai has lost a significant amount of money on the medical center's East Village and Brooklyn campuses." How much? "Those campuses lost $104.6 million last year on $904.9 million in operating revenue. That was an improvement from a $124.2 million loss in 2017."

Find more info on the Mount Sinai Beth Israel restructuring at their FAQ page.

Previously on EV Grieve:
An empty lot awaits the future home of the new Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital on 13th Street

Permits filed to demolish Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building

Mount Sinai Beth Israel files plan for 7-story hospital on 13th Street

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Mount Sinai Beth Israel files plan for 7-story hospital on 13th Street


[Photos from Sunday]

The initial work permit has been filed for part of the new Mount Sinai Beth Israel complex on 13th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

According to the permit filed last Wednesday, the "hospital building" will stand 7 floors — encompassing more than 112,000 square feet. (H/T New York Yimby!)

This will rise on the now-empty lot where a 14-floor building (321 E. 13th St.) stood that housed training physicians and staff of the nearby New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.





As previously reported in the fall of 2016, the Mount Sinai Health System is in the midst of its years-long project to rebuild Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan. The plans include an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue, which includes this 7-story building.

Mount Sinai Beth Israel had not previously specified how many floors the new building would be. Officials briefed Community Board 6 in February, which Town & Village covered:

The new Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital planned for East 13th Street may be shorter than initially planned due to newly-discovered unused space at the adjacent New York Eye and Ear facility, representatives announced at a sparsely-attended Community Board 6 meeting ...

"We discovered that there was more property available inside the New York Eye and Ear building, which allowed us to reconfigure what we’re going to do with the new building on 13th Street," said Brad Korn, corporate director of community affairs for Mount Sinai Beth Israel. "We're not changing any of the programs or promises we made on beds or anything like that, but it just makes it a little easier and will be a little less intrusive in the new build-up."

Brad Beckstrom, senior director for community and government for Mount Sinai, told CB6 that the new plan will connect to the New York Eye and Ear building "so it will become an integrated hospital."



Find more info on the Mount Sinai Beth Israel restructuring at their FAQ page.

Previously on EV Grieve:
An empty lot awaits the future home of the new Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital on 13th Street

Permits filed to demolish Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building


[No. 321 in 2016]

Monday, August 27, 2018

An empty lot awaits the future home of the new Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital on 13th Street



Over on 13th Street, EVG regular Pinch notes that the former 14-floor building here between Second Avenue and First Avenue that housed training physicians and staff of the nearby New York Eye and Ear Infirmary is now just an empty lot.

Workers have wrapped up the demolition phase ...



The property — previously 321 E. 13th St. — will be home to part of the new, 70-bed Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, with a 2021 opening at the moment...





Find more info on the Mount Sinai Beth Israel restructuring at their FAQ page.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Permits filed to demolish Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building


[No. 321 in 2016]

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Demolition watch: 321 E. 13th St., future home of the new Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital



There isn't much left of 321 E. 13th St., a former 14-floor building here between Second Avenue and First Avenue that previously housed training physicians and staff of the nearby New York Eye and Ear Infirmary...



As previously reported back in the fall of 2016, the Mount Sinai Health System is in the midst of its years-long project to rebuild Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan. The plans include an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue.

This new, 70-bed Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital will apparently go up where No. 321 previously stood and be ready, optimistically, sometime in 2021.



Here's more info from a Mount Sinai FAQ page:

Central to the downtown transformation is the new Mount Sinai Downtown Beth Israel inpatient hospital, and a brand new state-of-the-art Emergency Department (ED), located at 14th Street near Second Avenue – just two blocks south of the current MSBI campus. The hospital will feature operating and procedure rooms, lab services and imaging equipment, and will be able to handle general surgeries such as gall bladder, hernia and appendectomies.

The ED will accept ambulances and will be able to handle all of the same emergencies that the current ED handles, including: broken bones, asthma attacks, appendicitis, heart attacks, pneumonia, stroke and all other emergencies. It will also include a pediatric ED. Services at the existing MSBI ED will continue without interruption until the new facility opens, which is expected in about four years.



Previously on EV Grieve:
Permits filed to demolish Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building


[No. 321 in 2016]

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Making room for Mount Sinai's new EV hospital; CB3 hosting forum on the downsizing of Beth Israel



Demolition continues at 321 E. 13th St., a 14-floor building between Second Avenue and First Avenue.

The building previously housed training physicians and staff of the nearby New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.

This photo via EVG reader KT shows crews chipping away at the upper floors...



As previously reported, the Mount Sinai Health System is in the process of rebuilding Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan and selling off their campus on First Avenue and 16th Street.

The plans include an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue ... and using part of the lot where No. 321 stands now. (Find a Mount Sinai FAQ here.)

A few weeks ago, The Villager reported that Mount Sinai officials are considering adding four extra floors to this new building. (Previously, hospital officials had said that the additional floors atop the new East Village mini-hospital could be added later, if needed.)

Here's part of a Mount Sinai statement to the paper:

“As we have stated from the start, we are continuing to evaluate all of our options, including possibly building the extra four floors as part of the initial build.

“We have always committed to an open and transparent process, and after listening to the concerns from local leaders and constituents, as well as our internal advisers and leaders, we are currently leaning toward building the extra four floors for programmatic use, not beds.

“We still believe that 220 beds will best meet the needs of the community. However, if we see a dramatic change in the future, we will be better prepared and have greater flexibility to address that issue with these additional floors already built. We will continue to update the community as our progress continues.”

Here's a schematic of the new facility ...



Meanwhile, on Thursday night, CB3 is hosting a forum on the downsizing of Beth Israel.

Via the EVG inbox...

What medical services must be available locally?

Beth Israel Hospital has already closed its labor and delivery department. Other medical services are also being moved uptown. In a few years, the full-service hospital at First Avenue and 16th Street will be completely closed.

What medical services does Mount Sinai need to continue to provide in our community?

We need to tell Mount Sinai now. CB3 needs community input to understand your needs as we work in influence the restructuring plans of the Mount Sinai Health System.

Come tell CB3 what is important for your family and friends.

The forum is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Sirovich Senior Center, 331 E. 12th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Scaffolding arrives as demolition nears for Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building

Permits filed to demolish Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building

Friday, September 15, 2017

The Mount Sinai Health System wants to hear from you (in this survey anyway)

I heard yesterday from both the offices of Sen. Hoylman and City Council member Rosie Mendez ... Mount Sinai Beth Israel has extended its online survey through Sept 20.

You can find the 10-question survey here. (It's billed as a "Community Health Needs Assessment for Mount Sinai Downtown.") There's also more info on the landing page about Mount Sinai's plans.

As you know, the Mount Sinai Health System is in the midst of its years-long project to rebuild Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Scaffolding arrives as demolition nears for Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building

In recent months, workers have been prepping 321 E. 13th St., a 14-floor building between Second Avenue and First Avenue, for demolition.

Scaffolding is now up at the rear of the building, which housed training physicians and staff of the nearby New York Eye and Ear Infirmary...





That took about two weeks to erect... and workers are making their way around the building...



As you know, the Mount Sinai Health System is in the midst of its years-long project to rebuild Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan. The plans include an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue.

The hospital's downsizing includes shutting down (and selling off) its campus on First Avenue and 16th Street

The new, 70-bed Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital will apparently live where No. 321 stands now and be ready, optimistically, in 2020. This is from a Mount Sinai FAQ page:

Central to the downtown transformation is the new Mount Sinai Downtown Beth Israel inpatient hospital, and a brand new state-of-the-art Emergency Department (ED), located at 14th Street near Second Avenue – just two blocks south of the current MSBI campus. The hospital will feature operating and procedure rooms, lab services and imaging equipment, and will be able to handle general surgeries such as gall bladder, hernia and appendectomies.

The ED will accept ambulances and will be able to handle all of the same emergencies that the current ED handles, including: broken bones, asthma attacks, appendicitis, heart attacks, pneumonia, stroke and all other emergencies. It will also include a pediatric ED. Services at the existing MSBI ED will continue without interruption until the new facility opens, which is expected in about four years.

So far only renderings for the enhanced New York Eye and Ear Infirmary on 14th Street and Second Avenue have been released to the public.


[Perkins Eastman]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Permits filed to demolish Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Report: Mount Sinai's Gilman Hall fetches $87 million for use as student housing


[Image via Griener-Maltz]

As previously reported, the Mount Sinai Health System is in the midst of its more than $500 million project to rebuild Mount Sinai Beth Israel ... which includes an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue.

Meanwhile, Mount Sinai will sell its current 16th Street property. Now one piece of that parcel has changed hands. Town & Village reports that asset manager CIM Group bought Gilman Hall, an apartment building the hospital uses to house medical residents on 17th Street at First Avenue, for $87 million.

Their plan for the 24-story building? Student housing.

“The Gilman Hall site represents an exceptional opportunity to reposition and modernize a significant property in an exciting location currently experiencing substantial public and private investment,” said Avi Shemesh, co-founder and principal of CIM Group.

According to the news release on the deal, the entire site is zoned for a total of approximately 225,000 square feet, including a combination of community facility, residential and commercial uses.

A CIM spokesperson "said the company wouldn’t be commenting further on the future of the property."

The hospital's downsizing from its campus on First Avenue and 16th Street is part of a $550 million plan by Beth Israel’s owner to adapt to a changing health care landscape where patients are using more outpatient care and spending less time in hospitals, as previously cut-n-pasted.

Previously on EV Grieve:
More details on the incoming Mount Sinai Downtown Beth Israel

Monday, January 30, 2017

Community meeting set to discuss Mt. Sinai's plans for an expanded facility in the East Village



As you probably know, major changes are coming to the Mount Sinai Health System, starting with a transformation of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary on Second Avenue and 14th Street...


[Rendering via Perkins Eastman]

We won't rehash all the coming changes (outlined in this post). There's an FAQ page as well that may have details you are looking for related to health care and the construction.

Tomorrow night, City Council member Rosie Mendez and CB3 are hosting a meeting to learn more about the construction timeline for the new Mount Sinai Downtown Beth Israel.



Reps from Mount Sinai's Real Estate and Community Affairs Departments will be on hand for the discussion, taking place from 6-7:30 p.m. in the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, 310 E. 14th St. (in the third floor conference room).

The hospital's downsizing from its campus on First Avenue and 16th Street is part of a $550 million plan by Beth Israel’s owner to adapt to a changing health care landscape where patients are using more outpatient care and spending less time in hospitals, as previously reported.

Mount Sinai will sell the 16th Street property, which has a current reported value of $600 million. Beth Israel reportedly has outstanding debt of some $200 million.

Kenneth Davis, president and chief executive officer of Mount Sinai Health System, previously stated that it will cost $250 million to build the new hospital and upgrade the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary on Second Avenue and 14th Street.

Previously

Thursday, October 13, 2016

More details on the incoming Mount Sinai Downtown Beth Israel


[The current 2nd Avenue and 14th Street complex]

On Tuesday, thanks to NY1, we all got the first look at the rendering for what will be known as Mount Sinai Downtown Beth Israel.

Now that some time has passed, perhaps you're ready to embrace this bold [not bonkers] new hospital for the 21st century on the southeast corner of 14th Street and Second Avenue.

Let's try this again...



There's also another rendering via the architectural firm Perkins Eastman showing the view from Second Avenue looking to the south...


[Click for the glorious details]

Let's head to the news release about all this...

Mount Sinai Health System today announced the start of the first phase of its more than $500 million project to rebuild Mount Sinai Beth Israel (MSBI) and create the new “Mount Sinai Downtown” network. The new network will consist of expanded and renovated outpatient facilities at three major sites with more than 35 operating and procedure rooms and an extensive network of 16 physician practice locations with more than 600 doctors, stretching from the East River to the Hudson River below 34th Street.



Mount Sinai Downtown will be anchored by a new MSBI inpatient hospital with operating and procedure rooms, and a brand-new state-of-the-art Emergency Department, located two blocks from the current MSBI. The transformation will also include a major investment to support and strengthen behavioral health services, anchored at MSBI’s Bernstein Pavilion. Additionally, the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai will be preserved and enhanced. MSBI hospital will remain open throughout this transformation, and its emergency room will remain open until the new ED is fully operational at the new hospital.

And here are a few more areas of interest via the release...

Construction of the new Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital
Mount Sinai has retained renowned architectural firm Perkins Eastman, which will oversee design work and construction of Mount Sinai’s brand-new hospital. Pending approvals, demolition at the new site is expected to begin early 2017 with construction beginning early 2018. Construction of the new hospital is expected to be complete by late 2020. Initial renderings are available to the press and public, while the finalized renderings and designs are still being completed.

Workforce Impacts
Earlier this year, Mount Sinai confirmed that all union employees affected by the transformation would be offered other union opportunities at equal pay. Thus far, more than 150 Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital employees have accepted new opportunities at the same or higher salaries with the Mount Sinai Health System. Mount Sinai continues to work closely with all employees during this transformation.

There's an FAQ page as well that may have details you are looking for related to health care and the construction.

The hospital's downsizing from its campus on First Avenue and 16th Street is part of a $550 million plan by Beth Israel’s owner to adapt to a changing health care landscape where patients are using more outpatient care and spending less time in hospitals, as previously reported.

Mount Sinai will sell the 16th Street property, which has a current reported value of $600 million. Beth Israel reportedly has outstanding debt of some $200 million.

Kenneth Davis, president and chief executive officer of Mount Sinai Health System, previously stated that it will cost $250 million to build the new hospital and upgrade the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary on Second Avenue and 14th Street.

Previously