In a move that has left many East Village residents seeking new healthcare options, the Mount Sinai-Beth Israel Hospital has officially closed its doors after 135 years. This decision comes even after a prolonged legal battle aimed at keeping this historical institution open.
A New Dawn: Urgent Care for the Community
Despite the hospital’s closure, the Mount Sinai Health System has taken steps to ensure that healthcare remains accessible to the community. A new 24-hour urgent care center has been established at 310 East 14th Street, which is expected to address the immediate medical needs of area residents. According to NBC New York, this facility will soon be equipped with a CT scanner and additional services to broaden its scope of care.
Behind the Closure: The State’s Role
The hospital’s closure was sanctioned by the state health department in July 2024. After a court case contesting the shutdown was dismissed, Mount Sinai officials moved forward with the plan, emphasizing that patient safety and care remain their top priorities. Mount Sinai Health System CEO, Brendan Carr, reiterated this commitment, stating, “The safety and care of our patients is, and has always been, our guiding priority.”
Expanding Care: Mount Sinai’s Vision
Mount Sinai’s broader vision involves a flexible, outpatient-based, community-connected care model. The system’s world-renowned hospitals, practices, and centers support this new approach. In line with this vision, an ambulance will be stationed at the hospital’s former location on 16th Street for a month to cater to any emergency arrivals.
Community Outreach: Notifying Patients
The health system undertook a massive outreach effort, notifying its 55,000 patients about the closure. The move ensures that patients will have adequate time to transition to new healthcare providers and facilities.
It’s indeed a bittersweet moment for the community as they bid farewell to a longstanding pillar of healthcare while embracing new beginnings with the urgent care facility. As East Village residents adapt to these changes, Mount Sinai’s commitment to quality care continues in a new form.
For further context and details on the hospital’s transformation and how it impacts the community, visit NBC New York.
