Mather Hospital In Port Jefferson Unveils New 'State-Of-The-Art' Emergency Department

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — Northwell’s Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson has unveiled what it is calling "one of the most ambitious building projects in its history."

The new, $78 million Frey Family Emergency Department is designed to "meet the evolving health care needs of the community," according to Northwell. The department is expected to open to the public this summer.

At 29K square-feet, the new facility is more than twice the size of the current emergency department, which was built over 30 years ago. With the region’s aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic and complex conditions, the new department was created to serve patients at every stage of life — with a particular focus on older adults.

Mather is a designated "Age-Friendly Hospital" and holds a Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.

"This project represents a major investment in the health and safety of our community," said Kevin McGeachy, president of Mather Hospital in a news release. "We’re designing this space to provide faster, more efficient care in a setting that prioritizes patient comfort, privacy, and safety."

Key features of the new emergency department:

• Efficient and patient-centered design: Each private patient room in the main emergency department will feature walls with sliding doors, enhancing privacy and comfort. A new "Super Track" area will serve patients with less critical needs, using a mix of private rooms and a results waiting area with recliners for streamlined care.
• Split-flow model: The department’s layout supports a split-flow model, proven to accelerate care by routing lower-acuity patients to more efficient treatment areas and expediting admissions for patients with more serious conditions. This approach reduces wait times, shortens emergency department stays, and lowers the number of patients who leave without treatment.
• Advanced imaging onsite: With advanced CT, X-ray, and ultrasound equipment embedded within the department, clinicians can complete imaging studies faster, leading to more timely diagnoses and improved care outcomes.
• Infection prevention: The new ED includes infrastructure that allows for rapid conversion of a significant section into negative pressure rooms — helping to prevent the spread of airborne infections during future public health crises.
• Enhanced geriatric care: Patient exam rooms will be larger to accommodate caregivers, recognizing that many older adults rely on loved ones for support. Every aspect of the design reflects Mather’s commitment to age-friendly emergency care.
• Dedicated behavioral health space: The new emergency department will include six specialized rooms for adolescents and adults experiencing mental health crises, ensuring access to compassionate, discreet care in a safe environment.

The new emergency department is "part of a group" of capital expansion projects at Mather that the JTM Foundation has, to date, raised more than $21 million to support.

Among the first major contributions was a generous gift from Robert and Kathryn Frey and their family, demonstrating the strong community commitment to enhancing local health care.