Montefiore to Close Mount Vernon Hospital; Build New $41M Complex on Sanford Blvd.

MOUNT VERNON—Montefiore Health System announced on Oct. 15th a plan to close Mount Vernon Hospital and replace the storied facility with a new, $41-million health care complex on Sandford Boulevard in Mount Vernon.

The project, which will be funded by a grant from New York State, will involve the development of a new, 40,000-square-foot location at 250 E. Sanford Blvd. that will be home to a state-of-the art Hospital-Based Off-Campus Emergency Department and comprehensive ambulatory care center.

Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital, located at 12 N 7th Ave, will continue to be operational until the new Sandford Boulevard location is open. At that time, all emergency services will be provided at the new location as will the enhanced comprehensive primary and specialty care. The majority of inpatient care and surgical services will be transitioned to nearby Montefiore locations.

The new, health care complex on Sandford Boulevard is anticipated to have an opening date at the end of 2020, pending approvals by the New York State Department of Health. Once the new location is complete, the current campus will be available for redevelopment.

“We are proud to begin the next phase of our investment in this community through our new, state-of-the-art health care center on Sandford Boulevard,” said Lynn Richmond, chief strategy officer of Montefiore Health System. “Our goal is to bring the most forward-thinking, modern medicine to Mount Vernon and the surrounding region and to provide the highest quality care when and where people in this community need it most.”

Montefiore officials stated that they plan to hold discussions with Mount Vernon officials and community leaders in regards to the future use of the existing Mount Vernon Hospital site once the new location opens on Sanford Boulevard. A hospital spokesman said that at present there are no concrete plans for the existing Mount Vernon Hospital site.

Mayor of Mount Vernon André Wallace said in a prepared statement, “It is encouraging that Montefiore is reaffirming their commitment to Mount Vernon with this major investment in the health of our community. Montefiore has always been up front about changes in health care that will affect the city, and it is clear that the health of the community is their first priority in carrying out this plan. I want to thank Montefiore for their continued dedication to providing the best possible health care for Mount Vernon.”

The planned new location on Sandford Boulevard will provide integrated primary and mental health care, specialty care, pediatric care, interdisciplinary care for chronic disease management, a wound care program and onsite imaging services.

The facility will also feature a state-of-the-art Hospital-Based Off-Campus Emergency Department—staffed by emergency medicine physicians, with cardiac diagnosis and monitoring, a designated room for OB/GYN patients, and a digital X-ray and a CT scanner.

In addition, Montefiore said the new facility will enhance patient and family experiences through state-of-the-art design, technology and services that meet and exceed all standards and regulations.

Current services offered at Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital, with the exception of inpatient care and surgery, will be offered in enhanced and expanded ways at the Sandford Boulevard location. The majority of inpatient care and surgical services will be provided at other nearby Montefiore locations, including Montefiore New Rochelle. Patients who come to the Sandford Boulevard Emergency Room who require hospitalization will be transferred by an on-site ambulance to the most appropriate hospital for their condition—with the Sandford Boulevard site offering direct admission to Montefiore New Rochelle. In non-emergency situations, patients will be able to select the nearby hospital of their choice, Montefiore states.

Ronnie Cox, chair of the Montefiore Mount Vernon Community Advisory Board, and longtime Mount Vernon resident, said, “Continuing to provide the health care needs of the community is our primary concern. Montefiore’s continued long-term capital investment in our city, with this new cutting-edge facility in Mount Vernon, will support the health and wellness needs of our community for years to come. The new Sandford Boulevard corridor is an ideal location, providing easy access for residents throughout the community.”

“The Mount Vernon community is excited to welcome Montefiore Health System’s latest health care innovation,” said David Gentner, president and CEO of The Wartburg and member of the Montefiore Mount Vernon Community Advisory Board. “I am pleased that Montefiore is continuing their investment in Mount Vernon with this new project aimed at improving the health of the community and have appreciated their developing programming that reflects input from the community.”

John Jordan
Editor, Real Estate In-Depth