Funding unlocked for new Brooks Hospital in Fredonia

FREDONIA, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul of Fredonia on Monday announced $74 million for the new Brooks Memorial Hospital after an agreement between New York State, Kaleida Health and Brooks-TLC Health Systems.

It is planned to be built on the village’s main street and replace the current aging Dunkirk facility.

“You want to expand,” Hochul said. “You want to attract more people to the area. You want young people to stay there. You can’t say, ‘oh and by the way, if you really need a hospital, it’s only 45 minutes away later.’ But now they will stay here.

“This brings certainty to the residents and patients of northern Chautauqua County, and just as importantly to the men and women who work at Brooks Memorial Hospital,” said Don Boyd, president and CEO of Kaleida Health.

The announcement comes after a portion of the funds were first awarded in 2016, followed by several union members rallies to get the facility built.

“They’ve been working for years and years in conditions that are outdated, so now they’re going to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities as well as the community,” said Cheryl Marino, administrative organizer for 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

“Providing health care to our community in the most effective and efficient manner possible. We will be there, not only today, but in the days to come,” said Ken Morris, president and CEO of Brooks Memorial Hospital.

Pending approval from the state health department, the hospital is expected to be built within three years.