BRONX, NY – U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15) today awarded

$3 million in Community Project Funding to New York City Health + Hospitals’ Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx. The funding will provide important and much- needed improvements to critical care units, allowing the hospital to invest in 200 new ICU beds and improve quality of critical care for patients.

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“It is vitally important that people in the Bronx have access to safe and quality healthcare, and that medical professionals have the tools and resources they need to care for patients when it matters most,” said Rep. Torres. “That’s why I am so glad we were able to secure $3 million to help Lincoln Hospital invest in new medical ICU beds that will greatly improve patient health and safety outcomes.”

According to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, the new beds are designed to help make everyday tasks in the ICU easier. The flexible frame assists with patient mobility and provides options to move patients more safely and easily. They include full chair egress, three modes of exiting, in-bed strength exercises to improve muscle strength, and actionable reporting data. The new beds will replace beds that are approximately 10 years old.

“We are grateful for the support of our partners and yes, we refer to our elected officials as our partners because they understood what we went through in New York, and they get it,” said Chris Roker, CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. “They believe in our mission and in the talents of our team to ensure these funds are used responsibly and for the service of our community.”

“The installation of the new beds will benefit our patients and their care teams,” said Nancy Vasquez- Moscoso, Chief Operating Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. “These funds allow us to offer state- of-the-art technology to our patients, who deserve the absolute best we have to offer.”

“The new beds are extremely important and will help us continue to ensure our patient’s safety while receiving critical care. The beds will help prevent falls and protect their skin by preventing pressure injuries,” said Lewis Mitchell, MD, Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.

“For our critical care patients, having these specialty beds is essential,” said Lillian Diaz, Chief Nursing Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. “We are so grateful for the support to be able to upgrade our equipment and technology, and the patients are the ones who will benefit.”

In the final Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Rep. Torres was able to successfully secure more than $16.2 million in funding for 15 community projects that will directly respond to the most pressing needs of the Bronx, including expanding opportunities for middle class families and small businesses, strengthening access to quality healthcare and education, and reversing decades of disinvestment. The $3 million for the new beds at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center is one of those projects.

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