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Northwell’s Mather Hospital is preparing to open the doors to its all-new Frey Family Emergency Department — a $78 million, 29,000-square-foot facility that more than doubles the size of its current ER space.
“This project represents a major investment in the health and safety of our community,” said Kevin McGeachy, president of Mather Hospital. “We’re designing this space to provide faster, more efficient care in a setting that prioritizes patient comfort, privacy, and safety.”
The new department, expected to open to the public this summer, was designed with a focus on efficiency and aging populations, officials said.
Mather, a designated Age-Friendly Hospital, also holds a Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Each private patient room in the main emergency department includes walls with sliding doors to enhance comfort and privacy. A “Super Track” area will serve patients with less critical needs, offering a mix of private rooms and a results waiting area with recliners for faster care.
The facility also incorporates a split-flow model — an approach designed to reduce wait times and emergency department stays by routing patients based on the severity of their conditions.
Advanced imaging equipment including CT, X-ray, and ultrasound machines will be housed directly inside the department for quicker diagnoses.
In addition, a significant portion of the new ED can be converted into negative pressure rooms to help prevent the spread of airborne infections during public health emergencies.
There’s also a specialized space for older adults, with larger exam rooms built to accommodate caregivers.
Six private rooms have been designated for adolescents and adults experiencing mental health crises, with an emphasis on discretion and safety.
The Frey Family Emergency Department is part of a larger series of capital expansion projects at Mather, supported by more than $21 million in fundraising through the JTM Foundation.
Among the first major contributions was a gift from Robert and Kathryn Frey and their family, which helped bring the new emergency department to life.
Top photo: Exterior of the new Frey Family Emergency Department. (Photo credit: Northwell Health)
