Wyckoff Heights Medical Center Opens Newly Renovated Pediatric Emergency Department

New York State Grants Enable Phase One of Emergency Department Modernization

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – November 13, 2025 – Wyckoff Heights Medical Center (“Wyckoff”) today celebrated the opening of its newly renovated Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) -marking the successful completion of Phase One of a multi‑year emergency care modernization project.
This project is one of several facility improvement initiatives that Wyckoff has been undergoing with the support of $58.5 million received through capital grant programs from New York State. The ED project provides critically needed modernization to pediatric space and equipment enabling the delivery of faster, safer, and more family‑centered emergency care. The capital grant supporting the Wyckoff transformation is part of the State’s broader effort to improve health system infrastructure, quality and access.

A modern space designed for kids and families

The modernized Wyckoff Pediatric ED replaces a smaller existing unit and features a complete redesign to improve patient privacy, staff workflow and comfort. Highlights of the new facility include:

• 7 treatment rooms and 6 observation rooms for flexible, family‑friendly care
• 1 dedicated trauma room and 1 on‑unit X‑ray room to speed diagnostics
• All‑new physiologic monitors and the latest pediatric stretchers and cribs with built‑in scales
• Upgraded emergency power, a new generator, and improved security (cameras and card readers)
• Surge capacity design to safely manage higher patient volumes when needed

“Today marks a vitally important step forward for the children and families of Brooklyn and Queens who depend every day on the incredibly hard working teams at Wyckoff for emergency care,” said Vali Gache, President & CEO of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. “The new Pediatric ED will provide a brighter, more efficient and more patient-centered environment where our teams can continue to deliver excellent care.”

Built on partnership and public investment

Wyckoff’s grant is part of New York State’s ongoing commitment to help providers make critical capital improvements, integrate systems, and strengthen community care. Over the past decade, Wyckoff has used this support, together with guidance from partners at Northwell Health and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to renovate emergency services and expand a network of ambulatory care centers across Bushwick, Brooklyn, improving access to primary, specialty, and behavioral health services across the boroughs.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul, whose leadership and steadfast support for safety‑net hospitals, and the communities of Brooklyn and Queens, made this milestone possible,” said Gache. “We are equally grateful to our partners in the New York State Legislature and at the Department of Health for investing in the health and futures of our community’s children and families.”

Meeting the needs of Brooklyn and Queens – Today and tomorrow

Wyckoff’s emergency departments manage more than 84,000 visits each year, including both low‑ and high‑acuity cases. Lessons from the COVID‑19 pandemic informed the redesign, emphasizing safety, visibility, and room to expand during surges.

Pediatric ED construction began in September 2024 and finished on schedule in November 2025. Phase Two – focused on expanding and improving the Adult ED on the 1st floor – begins next week and is expected to be completed by November 2026.

“This project is about making care more accessible, more responsive, and more equitable,” added Dr. Gustavo Del Toro, Chief Medical Officer of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. “With New York State’s partnership and the trust of our community, we’re building a resilient and responsive emergency care system that families can count on day and night today and into the future.”

About the project

• Purpose: Modernize ED spaces, improve safety and efficiency, and strengthen access to high‑quality care
• Scope (Phase One): New Pediatric ED on 2nd floor (treatment, observation, trauma, and X‑ray rooms; modern equipment; upgraded power and security; surge capacity)
• Next: Phase Two Adult ED expansion (anticipated completion November 2026)
• Funding: New York State Capital Restructuring Financing Program (CRFP)

Media Contact

Kiyana Allen
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
374 Stockholm Street
Brooklyn, NY 11237
(O) 347.417.8689
(E) kallen@wyckoffhospital.org

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Invites Dr. George Martin as Keynote Speaker for their White Coat Ceremony

Dr. George Martin has served as Vice President for Medical Education and Designated Institutional Official (DIO) here at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center for the past 2 and a half years.  He was honored recently by the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine by choosing him to be the Keynote Speaker at their White Coat Ceremony, a ceremony where incoming medical students are introduced to their new profession by having them put on a white coat for the first time.  This recognition was bestowed upon Dr. Martin (and secondarily to all of Wyckoff) as an acknowledgement and in appreciation of the exceptional medical education we now provide our medical students (and residents).

Dr. Martin received his M.D. from the NYU School of Medicine, where he graduated first in his class.  He then went on to train in Internal Medicine at Bellevue Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident, and in Gastroenterology at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston.

Dr. Martin has been actively involved in medical education throughout his long and distinguished career, teaching residents, GI fellows, and medical students.  Over this time, he has been named “Teacher of the Year” multiple times and has been honored for his Humanism in Medicine by the Health Care Foundation of New Jersey.

Kudos to Dr. Martin and to all the clinical departments here at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.

A Message from Dr. Steven Smith, Director of Neurology, in Honor of Stroke Awareness Month

Un Mensaje del Dr. Steven Smith, Director del Departamento de Neurología, en Honor al Mes para la Concientización Sobre los Accidentes Cerebrovasculares (Derrames Cerebrales)

Wyckoff Recently Recognized its Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratory for Achieving the Highest Patient Satisfaction Scores for 2024

The scores are a testament to the Cardiac Cath department’s dedication to providing compassionate, patient-centered care of the highest quality, through effective communication and in a positive and comfortable environment that has earned them the praise of our patients.

The department operates under the clinical leadership of Dr. Gopi Punukollu, who as Wyckoff’s Director of Cardiology has worked incessantly to improve the cardiac health of our patients. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without Ms. Alyssa Loscalzo, Ms. Kessang Bhutia and Ms. Elsa Lopez, whose administrative skills and expertise ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the department.

“The clinical treatment we provide is of the highest quality, but we also strive to deliver an outstanding patient experience from arrival to our doors and continuing well beyond discharge. Our Cardiac Cath clinic is at the forefront of making that commitment to our community a reality” said Kevin Smyley, Wyckoff’s Executive Vice-president of Patient Affairs.

The Cardiac Cath department is a 24-hour STEMI Facility, which specializes in assisting patients after they have suffered a heart attack. The department also specializes in heart catheterizations and device implantations (such as pacemakers and defibrillators). Wyckoff’s Cardiac Cath department is 1 of only 2 programs within NYC that have achieved Cath Lab PCI accreditation from the American College of Cardiology.

 

Wyckoff Reconoció Recientemente a su Laboratorio de Cateterismo Cardíaco y Electrofisiología por Lograr los Puntajes más Altos de Satisfacción del Paciente para 2024

Los puntajes son un testimonio de la dedicación del departamento de Cateterismo Cardíaco a brindar atención compasiva, centrada en el paciente y de la más alta calidad, a través de una comunicación efectiva y en un ambiente positivo y cómodo que les ha valido el elogio de nuestros pacientes.

El departamento opera bajo el liderazgo clínico del Dr. Gopi Punukollu, quien, como director de cardiología de Wyckoff, ha trabajado incansablemente para mejorar la salud cardíaca de nuestros pacientes. Este logro tampoco habría sido posible sin la colaboración de la Srta. Alyssa Loscalzo, la Srta. Kessang Bhutia y la Srta. Elsa López, cuyas habilidades administrativas y experiencia garantizan el funcionamiento eficiente del departamento.

“El tratamiento clínico que brindamos es de la más alta calidad, pero también nos esforzamos por brindar una experiencia excepcional al paciente desde el momento en que llegan a nuestras puertas y que continúe mucho después del alta. Nuestra clínica de cateterismo cardíaco está a la vanguardia en hacer realidad ese compromiso con nuestra comunidad”, afirmó Kevin Smyley, vicepresidente ejecutivo de Asuntos del Paciente de Wyckoff.

El departamento de Cateterismo Cardíaco es un centro de atención de pacientes con STEMI que funciona las 24 horas y se especializa en ayudar a los pacientes que han sufrido un ataque cardíaco. El departamento también se especializa en cateterismos cardíacos e implantes de dispositivos (como marcapasos y desfibriladores). El departamento de Cateterismo Cardíaco de Wyckoff es uno de los dos únicos programas de la ciudad de Nueva York que han obtenido la acreditación de PCI de laboratorio de cateterismo del Colegio Estadounidense de Cardiología.

Employee of the Month Winners

Wyckoff is honored to present the Employee of the Quarter winners for the most recent quarter of 2024. Join us as we celebrate their commitment to Wyckoff’s mission of providing the highest level of service to our community.

Governor Hochul at WHMC to Unveil Plan to Combat Maternal and Infant Mortality

On January 4, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul visited Wyckoff Heights Medical Center to unveil the third proposal of her 2024 State of the State: a comprehensive six-point plan to combat maternal and infant mortality in New York. Recent CDC statistics revealed an increase in infant mortality – for the first time in over two decades. To address this crisis, Governor Hochul will introduce new policies and legislation to expand access to high-quality prenatal care, reduce costs for mothers and families, fight postpartum depression and support infants in the first months of their lives.

Our Lobby, once filled with social distancing,  now embraces melodies of hope and healing. Our heartfelt thanks to the Greenpoint String Quartet for sharing its wonderful performance with our patients, visitors, and staff.

New York Safety Net Hospital Coalition

The New York Safety Net Hospital Coalition is fighting to end the two-tiered system of healthcare in New York.

Safety net hospitals service millions of New Yorkers, especially in low-income communities, but receive billions less in funding than other hospitals because Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of care provided.

The Coalition is asking Albany to support the proposed Health Equity and Stabilization Act to ensure our community hospitals are strong.

Learn more at: https://www.nysafetynets.org