PORT JEFFERSON, NY — Northwell Health’s Mather Hospital marked a significant milestone with the ribbon cutting of The Frey Family Emergency Department, doubling the size of its emergency care facility and expanding access for patients across Port Jefferson, New York, and neighboring communities.
Designed to accommodate more than 40,000 visits annually, the new 48,250-square-foot Emergency Department and Surgical Expansion replaces the hospital’s former 24,000-square-foot emergency department. The upgrade offers a more efficient, comfortable experience for patients and a streamlined environment for clinical staff.
VHB partnered with Northwell to provide integrated services inclusive of civil engineering, landscape architecture, transportation engineering, environmental consulting, survey, and master planning services for the project, supporting the hospital’s goals of increasing capacity, improving convenience, and advancing resiliency.
Key site improvements included expanded surface parking, dedicated ambulance and patient drop-off areas, and a new signalized main entrance to the campus. VHB also assisted with the relocation and permitting of the hospital’s heliport to establish a direct connection to the new Emergency Department, enhancing emergency response times. Site infrastructure upgrades were also included in the form of utility and drainage enhancements, along with landscape improvements. The comprehensive site master plan outlined additional, future improvements such as potential future parking garage and main lobby expansions.
“This project is not just about expanding space; it’s about creating a better patient journey,” said Andrew Kelly, Landscape Architect at VHB. “From drop-off areas to outdoor spaces and circulation patterns, our planning focused on accessibility, safety, and future adaptability.”
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“Since the start of the master plan in 2018, our focus has been on blending innovation with tradition to enhance emergency care and elevate the patient experience, while honoring the character of the community," said Courtney Riley, Northeast Land Development Service Lead. "It’s been a privilege to support Northwell and the Mather Hospital teams from visionary planning through groundbreaking construction.”
