Photo credit: Samuel Rodriguez
In mid-August, U.S. Representative and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries visited NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. This tour highlighted Woodhull’s progress in maternal health and emergency care. He was accompanied by Woodhull hospital leadership: Sandra Sneed, CEO; Lisa Scott-McKenzie, COO; Jessica Arocho, community affairs director; Clifford Miller, associate executive director of emergency services; and Dr. Wendy Wilcox, who was appointed that week to the role of chief women’s health officer, chief of obstetrics and gynecology.
“At NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, the ICARE values—Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—guide everything we do,” said Sneed. “They are the foundation of how we care for our patients and support one another across all roles. I was honored to share this important visit with Congressman Jeffries and to highlight the innovative advancements taking place at Woodhull Hospital.”
“Our healthcare system is under immense stress due to Republican attacks. I am committed to continuing to fight for patients and providers back in Washington, until every single person has access to high-quality healthcare, and so that Woodhull may continue to serve its community,” said Jeffries. “I’m thankful for the leadership and partnership of Ms. Sandra Sneed as she works to steer Woodhull through the challenges it has experienced in recent years so that the hospital may maintain its commitment to improving care.”
Dr. Wilcox conveyed the hospital’s initiatives to promote maternal health equity, enhance birthing experiences, and improve safety and quality outcomes for mothers and infants to Jeffries. “The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Woodhull is committed to improving outcomes for mothers and babies in Brooklyn. We appreciate Congressman Jeffries’ leadership and continued advocacy for the health of our communities,” said Dr. Wilcox.
The final stop of the visit took place in the hospital’s emergency department. Miller guided Jeffries through the fast-paced and evolving space, which highlighted significant enhancements in emergency response times, patient flow efficiency, and critical care delivery. “Woodhull’s Emergency Department treats over 250 patients per day and has experienced a considerable increase in the number of admitted patients. As we plan for our next phase of renovation and expansion, we recognize the need for additional treatment space. [Jeffries’s] commitment to ensuring access to quality care for our community—particularly his advocacy for Emergency Services—is deeply appreciated,” said Miller.
The Greenline 