Assemblymember secures money for hospital

Assemblymember Susan John (D-Rochester/Chili/Wheatland) secured $3 million to help renovate the Rochester General Hospital Emergency Room - ensuring the hospital can meet the demands of providing a high standard of care for all patients, she stated in a press release.

"While the quality of care is high, it's delivered in a crowded, difficult environment," said John. "Crowded and inefficient environments rob patients of privacy and dignity, while inhibiting the work of a well-trained and dedicated staff. The renovation will help our families get the quality emergency care they deserve."

Rochester General Hospital's Emergency Department has seen an influx of patients with the closing of Genesee Hospital last year. Already one of the busiest emergency departments in the state, approximately 83,000 visits are projected this year - 30,000 more than the Emergency Department was designed to accommodate.

"The challenges patients and staff face are stressful enough in emergency situations," said John. "Overcrowding and underfunding exacerbates the problems."

The renovations will improve patient access and work flow, and help combat the instances of "code red" that previously forced ambulance crews to take their passengers elsewhere - delaying treatment for those needing emergency care.

"The $3 million I secured is a solid start, but the governor and Senate must each make a commitment of equal funding quickly to guarantee the renovation project moves ahead," said John. "People shouldn't have to wait for hours in the emergency room, or be cared for in hallways. The lives of our children and our loved ones all too often relies on the quality of care a hospital can provide."