New York Downtown Hospital is now the proud owner of a new ambulance and has also been awarded the opportunity to expand runs for its other life-saving vehicles. The news comes after negotiations between the hospital and the FDNY’s Emergency Medical Service.
A brand new Critical Care Transport Unit, often called an “ICU on wheels,” was officially unveiled last Friday. Not only was it unveiled it was also blessed by local clergy members, a tradition at the hospital.
The deal was, in part, brokered by NY State Senator Daniel Squadron.
Squadron said the hospital, which is the only full service hospital south of 14th Street, raised an issue about their ability to take more patients in their Emergency Room and told the senator that having additional ambulances would go a long way toward allowing the hospital to better serve the community.
“Certainly the hospital’s E.R. has been a critical part in caring for Lower Manhattan for a long time, and even more since St. Vincents has closed,” said Squadron.
The senator decided to bring in the major players, including the city and the FDNY, to raise the issue on behalf of the hospital.
“I’m glad we were able to be effective in convincing FDNY to give a fair hearing [on the issue],” said Squadron, who described his role in the negotiations as “small part match maker, small part nudge.”
“It’s just part of the job of representing the community,” he added.
“I really have to credit Senator Squadron, bringing all of the parties together,” said Jeff Menkes, the hospital’s president.
BNY Mellon and the George Link, Jr. Foundation provided funding for the vehicle, estimated at $200,000 fully equipped.
The combination of utilizing foundation support and the support of local elected officials is a model that New York Downtown [Hospital] has used successfully over the last few years. The hospital’s state-of-the-art MRI unit that opened a year and half ago was made possible due to funding by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation at the urging of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
“This [recent] experience with [Sen. Squadron], has been a really great model for how to make sure all the communities Downtown have access to a first-class hospital,” added Menkes.
— John Bayles
