Montefiore in the News

New "hospital without beds" is a regional destination for interdisciplinary primary, specialty, and surgical care.

Pictured, from left to right, are: Assemblyman Michael Benedetto; Susan Solometo, VP of clinical services; Joseph Simone, president of Simone Development Companies; Dr. Steven M. Safyer, president and CEO of Montefiore Health System; Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson; Melissa Cebollero, Director of Health and Human Services for the Bronx Borough President's Office

Bronx, NY (November 10, 2014) – Today, Montefiore Health System, the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, opened its new Hutchinson Campus – a 12-story, 280,000 square-foot multi-specialty care center that offers New Yorkers the latest in ambulatory medicine.  Montefiore's new campus is one of the largest ambulatory surgery centers in the New York metropolitan region. 

The building was specifically designed to provide a healing environment and give patients a better experience, offering an array of services in one, convenient location: primary and specialty care visits, diagnostic imaging, surgery, and even a full-service pharmacy.  The campus's layout provides space for interdisciplinary approaches to care – with teams of doctors and nurses located on the same floor, allowing for stronger, easier collaborations and referrals. 

"Our new 'hospital without beds' has a larger surgical capacity than many traditional hospitals, with interdisciplinary teams of doctors and nurses working together to provide innovative primary and specialty care.  The building was designed with our patients and families in mind and brings the latest in ambulatory medicine to our patients throughout the region," said Steven M. Safyer, president and CEO of Montefiore Health System.

Medical advances are allowing procedures traditionally performed in hospitals to be done on an ambulatory basis – with better results for patients. The new campus reflects this evolution in the delivery of healthcare, offering new space for multidisciplinary approaches to care and integrating technology that allows Montefiore to provide necessary treatments without the need for hospitalization.

The tower's core and shell were constructed by Simone Development to Montefiore's specifications; Montefiore completed the $152 million interior-fit out of the new facility. The complex offers free parking with more than 1,100 spaces and a free shuttle service to nearby subway lines.

"Today is a great day for the future of healthcare. This ribbon cutting ceremony is major milestone, marking the opening of a revolutionary, first-of-its kind medical facility," said Joseph Simone, president of Simone Development Companies. "We were honored to partner on this project with a visionary organization like Montefiore, which delivers world-class treatments through multi-disciplinary teams right here in the Bronx."

The state-of-the-art building includes an ambulatory surgery center, featuring 12 operating rooms and four procedure rooms; an advanced imaging center; onsite laboratory services and pharmacy; as well as new primary and specialty care practices.  When the Hutchinson Campus is fully operational, it will offer access to 23 adult specialties and 15 pediatric specialties.  The new building's more than 500 employees will include 177 doctors and 77 nurses, with an additional 19 doctors at Montefiore's orthopedics practice next door. 

"It gives me great pleasure to congratulate President and CEO Steven M. Safyer for his leadership and vision at Montefiore Health System.  Montefiore is an impressive organization that has always been at the forefront of medical advances and innovation.  Their newest design, the Montefiore Hutchinson Campus surgery center, is just such an example.  This state-of-the-art facility will enable patients to receive the most varied and technical medical services and enhance their healing experiences.  Doctors of multiple disciplines will provide these coordinated services in an environment where hospitalization will not be required," said Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson.

"As a Bronx resident, I know that I want the ability to access quality health care locally and conveniently.  This new facility has provided that.  My congratulations to Montefiore and Simone Construction for teaming up to make it so," said Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto.

The layout of the new Hutchinson Campus will benefit both patients and clinicians. Patients will be able to access multiple specialties under one roof; clinicians will benefit by having ready access to other specialists.  For example, the Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart & Vascular Care will have cardiology, imaging, vascular surgery, and, ultimately, cardiac surgery all on the same floor.  This arrangement will allow clinicians to collaborate on cases and call specialists in, as needed, during appointments.  The otorhinolaryngology (ENT) department will offer specialist visits, audiology exam rooms, vestibular labs for testing patients' balance, and a voice lab to assess voice and swallowing pathologies.  Another medical specialty program at the new campus is a multidisciplinary pain service that combines anesthesia and rehabilitation, as well as consultative services and infusions for chronic headaches.