YNHH announces plans to build state-of-the-art neurosciences center on Saint Raphael Campus
An architectural rendering of the proposed neurosciences center at the Saint Raphael Campus. Groundbreaking is expected to be held in 2020, with project completion in 2023.
Joined by community members and elected officials, Yale New Haven Hospital leaders on April 29 announced the launch of a major healthcare investment on the Saint Raphael Campus.
The $838 million project would include two new patient facilities and focus on innovation in the neurosciences. It will be the largest project of its kind in state history and will provide enhanced access to state-of-the-art care for patients.
Borgstrom at the April 29 press conference announcing the project.
“We firmly believe that this new facility will change the landscape of health care and draw patients from throughout the region and nation,” said Yale New Haven CEO Marna P. Borgstrom. “While this represents a landmark investment in our patients, it was also very important to us that we move this project forward in full partnership with the City of New Haven, the state and the local community. We are proud to work together to advance the promise of exceptional care for our patients.”
The new, 505,000-square-foot project, featuring 204 inpatient beds, will fulfill a vision of providing a unique setting for patients seeking innovative care, from treatment for movement disorders to procedures for neuroregeneration. The project will also allow Yale New Haven to decant portions of the existing East Pavilion at the York Street Campus, which opened in 1953 and includes more than 300 patient beds.
“Yale New Haven Health is the largest private employer in Connecticut and this project signals their focused desire to continue investing in our state,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “We are very fortunate that this type of investment will stretch the boundaries of medicine and likely lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of neurologic disease. So, as we tout the hundreds of new construction and permanent jobs this project represents, we are also humbled by the direct impact it will have on the health of our citizens.”
Yale New Haven, state and city leaders announced the project at an April 29 press conference. From left are: Robert J. Alpern, MD, dean, Yale School of Medicine; Tyisha Walker-Myers, president, New Haven Board of Alders; New Haven Mayor Toni Harp; Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont; Marna Borgstrom, CEO, Yale New Haven Health; and Richard D’Aquila, president, YNHHS and YNHH.
“We embrace the partnership and appreciate the spirit of collaboration Yale New Haven brings to the table with this project, and we recognize the exceptional value they provide, both to city residents and the entire region,” said New Haven Mayor Toni Harp. “New Haven is the beneficiary of the great patient care they provide – on behalf of all city residents I applaud the ongoing support of Yale New Haven Health in our city.”
Yale New Haven has agreed to work with the city to drive better quality health outcomes for city employees at lower costs. To bridge to those savings, the hospital has agreed to a one-time, voluntary bridge payment of $3 million, in addition to its ongoing support. Yale New Haven has also agreed to pre-pay $8.9 million in project building fees.
“The impact this new facility will have on patient care is enormous,” said Robert J. Alpern, MD, dean, Yale School of Medicine. “Parkinson’s disease, ALS, stroke and other neurological disorders take a tremendous toll on patients and their families. We hope to directly address these challenges through innovative research, education and exceptional patient care.”
The boards of Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale New Haven Health provided their preliminary approvals for the project.
“We reviewed a number of options when considering this project,” said Mary Farrell, chair of Yale New Haven Hospital. “This represents an important investment on the Saint Raphael Campus. Consistent with our promise in 2012, this will allow us to further our goal to rebalance the two campuses, providing synergy and exceptional care at both locations.”
The project will be built within the existing footprint of the hospital campus, bordered by Sherman Avenue and George Street. It will shift the main entrance of the hospital from Chapel Street to George Street. An existing parking garage on Orchard Street will be extended to George Street to accommodate patients, and a new, 200-space underground garage will support the facility.
“We appreciate the hospital’s effort to bring our elected and community leaders in from the start,” said Tyisha Walker-Myers, president, New Haven Board of Alders. “As we review the important details of this project, we appreciate that transparency and we recognize the value it brings to our city. This development demonstrates the benefit of commitment to our area. As the representative of the 23rd ward, I look forward to continued conversations on how the hospital can further support the neighborhood.”
“Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale School of Medicine have been nationally recognized for innovation in the neurosciences for years. Working collaboratively, we believe we can bring the most advanced care – built upon groundbreaking research – to our state and region,” said Richard D’Aquila, president of Yale New Haven Health and Yale New Haven Hospital. “We look forward to finalizing the details of the project over the next several months and submitting it for approval this fall."
