A substantial investment is arriving for maternal and newborn care in North Brooklyn, with the New York City Council providing $5.8 million to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. The funds will renovate and update the hospital’s NICU and maternity departments. Part of this support is a newly disclosed $2 million allocation in the City’s FY 2026 budget, secured by Council leaders Adrienne Adams and Sandy Nurse, advancing Wyckoff’s ongoing transformation.
This investment is earmarked for expanding the NICU, as well as continuing renovations to the 11th-floor Maternity/Postpartum and 12th-floor Labor & Delivery units—vital resources for communities in Brooklyn and Queens.
Family-Focused Neonatal Upgrades
The modernized NICU will cover 5,000 square feet with 15 incubators and three nursery rooms, one being an isolation unit. There are also plans for a dedicated breastfeeding area, family waiting spaces, upgraded nursing stations, staff offices, lounges, and improved facilities to bolster clinical care.
Earlier, Wyckoff received $3.8 million in capital funds during FY 2024 and FY 2025 as part of the first two renovation stages. The latest grant will enable the hospital to complete its modernization of newborn care services.
Reducing Health Disparities
Speaker Adrienne Adams said the project is part of the Council’s aim to enhance maternal health and address inequity.
“Our City Council, reflective of our diverse and woman-majority population, consistently pushes for better maternal care and the elimination of health disparities,” Adams said. She cited the $2 million secured in the FY 2026 budget for the NICU and $5.8 million overall, calling the funding critical for safety-net hospitals that serve New York’s neediest populations.
Council Member Sandy Nurse stressed the urgency of this funding, particularly for women of color who face higher risks.
“I am pleased to announce $5.8 million secured for these upgrades over the last two years,” Nurse commented. She called Wyckoff a central healthcare resource in Bushwick, adding, “Every mother here is entitled to top-quality, respectful care.”
Enhancing Community Hospital Capacity
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez highlighted how these resources benefit the broader community.
“Infrastructure investments are about strengthening people, not just facilities,” she noted. Modern neonatal units lead to “safer deliveries, quicker responses, and greater peace of mind for families across the area.”
President and CEO Vali Gache expressed that the renovations would greatly enhance patient and staff experiences.
“The expanded suites for newborns, maternity, and delivery will foster brighter, more efficient, and patient-centered environments,” she said, reflecting on her own experience at a safety-net hospital and the ongoing value of local health centers.
Community Benefits
For Bushwick, North Brooklyn, and nearby Queens families, this upgrade brings more secure births, better care for infants, and improved support for parents. For staff, the changes mean a better workspace to deliver quality care.
This $5.8 million investment solidifies Wyckoff Heights Medical Center as a leader in community health and a key partner in efforts to lower maternal mortality and boost outcomes for mothers and babies in New York City.
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