Phelps Hospital Breaks Ground on New Surgical Suite

Imagine five new, state-of-the art operating rooms for both inpatient and outpatient surgery, complete with the latest surgical equipment and a scenic Hudson River view. That's the latest development at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center in Sleepy Hollow, where ground was broken recently on a 20,163-square-foot surgical suite to be built on the third floor of the 755 Medical Services Building.

"Building this new surgical suite is a huge step forward for Phelps," said Richard Sinni, of Irvington, chairman of the hospital's board. "We've planned it for a long time and are very excited to be able to meet the growing needs of the community in this significant way."

The suite, called the SurgiCenter, is unique i n New York State in that it will be the first surgical facility to be located in a medical office building. It will function as a self-contained surgical unit for both inpatients and outpatients. A new 200-foot-long x 9-foot-wide enclosed corridor bridge will connect the new surgical area to the surgical wing of the main hospital building, permitting convenient sharing of equipment and staff.

"What we'll have here is a state-of-the art surgical facility, designed for tomorrow's technology," said Keith F. Safian, President and CEO of Phelps. "The new operating rooms will be spacious with very convenient access for ambulatory patients. All of the new ORs will be larger than our largest current space, which will allow for new, large equipment and a comfortable environment for our patients and surgical staff."

Designed by HCP Architects, construction will be handled by BBL Construction Services, which built the Medical Services Building. HCP and BBL are both based in Albany. The project is being financed largely through the Westchester County Local Development Corporation, which has authorized $16 million in tax-exempt bonds. The building permit for the SurgiCenter was received in mid-October and construction has already begun. The project will create up to 34 full-time construction positions during peak construction periods. Ten permanent medical professional jobs will be added once the unit is completed in fall of 2014.

"This is really a bridge to the future," said Dr. Richard Peress, a specialist in spine surgery and participant with thoracic surgeon Dr. Avraham Merav on the Facilities Master Planning Task Force of the hospital board. "We expect the planning we have done today to produce a facility so modern that it will meet our needs for decades to come."

Dr. Peress said that many surgeons and staff were consulted about the design and capabilities of the new suite, so that the end result will reflect many ideas about how to create the best possible environment for patients, providers and changing technology. "We'll be equipped to accommodate a full range of major surgeries, as well as minor procedures," he said. "And we'll even be wired to handle robotic surgery when necessary."

The combination of the new facility and the dedicated Phelps staff will enhance the hospital's attractiveness to patients and surgeons, according to Dr. Peress. "We're looking forward to watching the growth in surgical services that the new suite will bring about."

The estimated opening date for the new surgical suite is October 2014.