NYU Langone to drop $650M to transform ailing LI hospital: Tremendous impact

NYU Langone is pouring $650 million into a massive expansion of its newly acquired Long Island hospital in Patchogue.The NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk, formerly the Long Island Community Hospital, said it plans to add a new 144-bed tower packed with private rooms, expanded services and the latest medical tech in the industry.As of right now, the Suffolk County hospital only has 306 beds, 11 surgical rooms and 20 inpatient psychiatric beds.Officials said the overhaul will transform the once-ailing medical center into a modern regional hub for care.“It’s going to have a tremendous impact,” said Dr.Ravi Gupta, chief medical officer of the hospital, to Newsday.“Right now, our physical footprint is that of an aging hospital, and the ability to take care of patients in a brand new tower with the latest technology — to be able to make sure that we have the right tools for infection prevention, efficient care and the newest technology for both the clinicians and actually the patients — will have a huge impact on the community,” Gupta said.The hospital merged with NYU Langone in March and reopened its inpatient psych unit while building a new outpatient center.The proposed tower — still awaiting state approval — would be the largest upgrade yet.The health system filed a certificate of need with the state Friday, a required step for any major expansion.Hospital officials wouldn’t confirm how many stories the new wing will be, but said it will centralize nursing and add space for services such as pharmacy, physical therapy and infection prevention....