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Lifting a community

Hochul celebrates progress of Northern Chautauqua Hospital

Gov. Kathy Hochul put pen to paper to ensure that a new hospital would be built in northern Chautauqua County. Thursday afternoon, she signed something just as important, but even more practical.

Hochul visited the site of the future Northern Chautauqua Hospital, located at 412 East Main St. in Fredonia, to sign a steel beam that will be installed as part of the new building. Hochul signed the beam alongside Kaleida Health President and CEO Don Boyd; President and CEO of Brooks-TLC Hospital Ken Morris; County Executive PJ Wendel; and Fredonia Mayor Mike Ferguson.

"That beam going up is a symbol of stability, of strength, that this is happening. We're not talking anymore, we're building," Hochul said. "We lift up the beam, we're lifting up this community."

Hochul addressed a crowd of guests at the podium before turning over the microphone to Boyd, Morris, and Ferguson. Hochul stated the need for "world class, high quality healthcare" was a crucial necessity in northern Chautauqua County. However, with reduced federal funding coupled with the growing needs of the Brooks-TLC Hospital in Dunkirk, it was up to the State of New York to step in to make sure that residents in northern Chautauqua County had a place to get the care they need.

"While Washington may be defunding hospitals, here in New York, we're building hospitals. We believe in our hospitals. We build them in big cities and we build them in small towns. We build them right here in Chautauqua County," Hochul said. "Today, we're finally taking a big step toward delivering the hospital that this community has deserved."

Hochul spoke to the importance of rural hospitals, noting the "enormous" distance between hospitals for residents of rural communities. She said that, different from in Manhattan and Albany, residents in small towns are at a much greater risk when a hospital closes.

"When rural hospitals close, people's lives are in danger," Hochul said. "If someone lives in Fredonia or Dunkirk, your lives matter as much as they do in Manhattan and Albany ... and our healthcare investments must reflect that."

That belief is what pushed Hochul to commit $124 million of State funds to finance the construction of the new hospital, over 50% of the total project cost. Construction on the new $223 million hospital in Fredonia began earlier this spring. Thanks to local advocates putting pressure on the State, as well as the support from Kaleida Health, plans for Northern Chautauqua Hospital have become a reality.

Northern Chautauqua Hospital is on track to open in 2029. "When it finally opens in 2029, the people of this fabulous, beloved county will have the peace of mind they deserve," Hochul said.

The 133,000-square-foot, single-story hospital will be built on a 30-acre site and is expected to serve more than 260,000 patient visits annually. According to Morris, the facility will feature 20 private medical-surgical and observation beds, a 17-bay emergency department, three operating rooms, three procedure rooms, and a comprehensive imaging suite. Upgraded medical equipment and technology will help deliver advanced health care in a more efficient and sustainable facility.

"The true measure of a hospital won't be its size or design, but the care delivered within the walls that make a difference in the lives that we serve each and every day," Morris said. "... Together, we're building a healthier future for northern Chautauqua County."

Aside from just the healthcare needs of the residents of northern Chautauqua County, the presence of a new hospital will serve as a recruiting tool for businesses looking to come to the area, and families looking for a new home. Hochul stated that the new hospital will further the "momentum" of the area.

"Northern Chautauqua Hospital sends a message. This community really matters," Hochul said.

Morris thanked the crowd for attending Thursday's event to "celebrate this day that many in this community have envisioned for years." He thanked Hochul for her support, along with Boyd's leadership and support from Kaleida Health. He also thanked union leaders, board members, and the employees of the hospital for the work they do for this community. "Today's milestone belongs to you, as much as anybody else," Morris said.

To the community as a whole, Morris said, "Thank you for your patience, trust, and continued support. This hospital is being built for you, your families, and generations to come."