Rome Health in September celebrated the start of construction of its new women’s surgical suite with a beam signing ceremony on the 135th anniversary of the hospital.
The new dedicated C-section suite is being constructed adjacent to the maternity department on the fourth floor. The majority of the $3.9 million capital project is being funded through the county’s investment of $3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
“We are grateful to County Executive Anthony Picente for helping Rome Health ensure that the best maternity care is easily accessible to the women of Rome and the surrounding rural communities,” said Rome Health President and Chief Executive Officer AnneMarie Czyz. “The county’s investment will help us to accelerate our plans for expanding access to the best care out there, here in Rome.”
“We are also pleased to announce that the women’s surgical suite will be named in honor of Dr. Lauren Giustra and Dr. Ankur Desai, two obstetrician/gynecologists who have served this community since they opened their practice in Rome more than 25 years ago,” Czyz said. “Throughout their careers, Drs. Giustra and Desai have maintained a singular focus on delivering the highest quality of care to those we serve.”
Construction of the new dedicated C-section suite is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023. Approximately 2,000 square feet of existing space will be renovated and converted to a modern surgical suite adjacent to the maternity Ddepartment for enhanced patient safety. The project will also provide additional capacity for the growth in general surgical services by freeing up one of the hospital’s four operating rooms on the first floor.