
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a public medical school and hospital in Brooklyn, New York. It is the southernmost member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and the only academic medical centre in Brooklyn. The University Hospital at Downstate is a 342-bed hospital that serves Brooklyn's 3 million residents. It is the only state-run hospital in New York City. The State of New York has committed $1.1 billion to revive the University Hospital at Downstate, which faced closure due to financial concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University |
| Location | Brooklyn, New York |
| Type | Public medical school and hospital |
| Year founded | 1950 |
| Student body (as of fall 2018) | 1,846 |
| Faculty and staff (approx.) | 8,000 |
| Number of colleges | 5 |
| Number of beds | 342 |
| Number of patients (annual) | 300,000+ |
| Funding (announced June 2025) | $1 billion |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a public medical school and hospital in Brooklyn, New York
- It is the only state-run hospital in New York City
- University Hospital at Downstate has 342 beds and serves nearly 3 million people
- The State of New York has committed \$1.1 billion to University Hospital for renovations and a new outpatient facility
- SUNY Downstate comprises a College of Medicine, Colleges of Nursing, School of Graduate Studies, School of Health Professions, and School of Public Health

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a public medical school and hospital in Brooklyn, New York
The history of the medical school dates back to 1860 when the Long Island College Hospital graduated its first new doctors. Over the following decades, the college expanded its facilities and curriculum, and by the First World War, admission was opened to women. In 1945, the college purchased a large tract of land that would become the future site of the Downstate Medical Center. The "Downstate" era officially began in 1950 with the signing of a merger contract between the State University of New York and the Long Island College of Medicine.
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University comprises a College of Medicine, Colleges of Nursing, School of Graduate Studies, School of Health Professions, and School of Public Health. It also includes a major research complex and biotechnology facilities. The University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB), part of SUNY Downstate, offers advanced medical care throughout Brooklyn. It is an 8-story facility with 882 licensed beds, providing care to over 300,000 patients annually.
In recent years, the hospital faced financial difficulties and was at risk of closure. However, due to strong community opposition and support from state legislators, the state committed $1.1 billion to revive and renovate the hospital, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing a blend of capital funding aimed at revitalizing its infrastructure and expanding its services.
SUNY Downstate has a strong reputation in the medical field, with more NYC physicians having trained at Downstate than at any other medical school. It continues to be a leader in medical research, receiving significant funding for various projects, and contributing to advancements in patient care and treatment.
Hospital Visitation Rights: Who Can Be With You?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is the only state-run hospital in New York City
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a public medical school and hospital in Brooklyn, New York. It is the southernmost member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. As the only state-run hospital in New York City, it serves as an essential medical centre for health education, research, and patient care for Brooklyn's 2.5 million residents.
The history of Downstate dates back to the Long Island College Hospital, which opened its doors to students in 1860. In 1945, the college purchased a large tract of land that would become the future site of the Downstate Medical Center. The "Downstate" era officially began in 1950 with the merger of SUNY and the Long Island College of Medicine. Over the years, the complex expanded rapidly, adding residence halls, a student centre, and a nurses' residence. In 1966, the University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB) was established, along with the School of Graduate Studies, the College of Health Related Professions, and the College of Nursing.
Today, Downstate continues to be a leader in medical education and innovation. It comprises a College of Medicine, Colleges of Nursing, School of Graduate Studies, School of Health Professions, and School of Public Health. It also includes extensive research facilities and biotechnology facilities. The University Hospital at Downstate has 342 beds and serves the needs of nearly 3 million people. It is committed to providing quality healthcare to the people of Brooklyn and beyond, with a 24/7 Emergency Care Center and a satellite health centre to serve the community's healthcare needs.
In recent years, the hospital faced financial challenges and the possibility of closure. However, due to strong community support and activism, the state committed $1.1 billion to revive and renovate the hospital, ensuring its long-term sustainability and enabling it to continue serving the community.
Hospital Visiting Hours: When Can You See Patients?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

University Hospital at Downstate has 342 beds and serves nearly 3 million people
University Hospital at Downstate, also known as University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB), is a public teaching hospital in Brooklyn, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, a public medical school and hospital that is the only academic medical centre in Brooklyn.
The 342-bed hospital serves the needs of nearly 3 million people in Brooklyn and beyond. It is a regional referral centre for neonatology, transplantation, and pediatric hemodialysis, offering advanced technologies and medical facilities that are not available elsewhere in the region. University Hospital at Downstate provides comprehensive, advanced medical care to its patients, including 24/7 emergency care and a satellite health centre to meet community healthcare needs.
The hospital is committed to providing quality healthcare, with a focus on clinical care, research, and academics. It is also involved in initiatives to improve access to healthcare for the community, such as the #KeepCareClose campaign, which aims to highlight the proximity of healthcare access at the hospital. Additionally, the hospital offers a range of specialty services, including HIV screening and treatment, HCV screening and treatment, behavioural health, and an LGBTQ+ Health Initiative.
University Hospital at Downstate has a long history, with the merger contract between SUNY and the Long Island College of Medicine being signed in 1950. The hospital has faced financial challenges, with the threat of closure in 2024 due to financial concerns. However, it received a $1 billion investment from the New York State government in 2025, aimed at revitalising the hospital's infrastructure and improving patient care.
Heart Failure Hospitalization: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The State of New York has committed \$1.1 billion to University Hospital for renovations and a new outpatient facility
The State of New York has committed $1.1 billion to University Hospital for renovations and a new outpatient facility. The hospital, which is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, faced possible closure due to financial concerns and a deficit. However, the state's investment will now enable the hospital to undergo significant infrastructure improvements and overall modernization.
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, of which University Hospital is a part, is a public medical school and hospital in Brooklyn, New York. It is the only state-run hospital in New York City and serves approximately 3 million people in the area. The hospital was in dire need of renovations, with rooms being double-occupancy and the building falling into disrepair. The $1.1 billion investment will allow the hospital to convert these rooms into single rooms with private bathrooms and showers, as well as expand and improve various services.
The decision to commit this substantial sum of money to the hospital was influenced by fervent local opposition to its potential closure. State legislators, community activists, and patients all mobilized to save the hospital. Governor Kathy Hochul ultimately decided to support the hospital, stating that "every New Yorker deserves access to innovative, high-quality care." The funding includes $750 million allocated in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 state budgets, with an additional $50 million to be set aside each year for the next seven years.
The investment in SUNY Downstate Hospital is expected to have a significant impact on the community it serves. Local officials and community leaders have celebrated the news, recognizing the importance of preserving inpatient and outpatient services for Central Brooklyn residents. The hospital plans to modernize its emergency department, invest in inpatient specialty units, and address infrastructure issues. Additionally, the funding will support the hospital's role in training the next generation of medical professionals and ensuring the long-term sustainability of quality healthcare in the region.
The State of New York's commitment to University Hospital demonstrates a strong recognition of the value of healthcare institutions and their role in serving the community. With this investment, the hospital will be able to improve its facilities, expand its services, and continue to provide essential healthcare to the residents of Brooklyn and beyond.
Hospital Certification: Is It Mandatory?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

SUNY Downstate comprises a College of Medicine, Colleges of Nursing, School of Graduate Studies, School of Health Professions, and School of Public Health
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a public medical school and hospital in Brooklyn, New York. It is the southernmost member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and the only academic medical centre in the city.
The University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB), established in 1966, is Downstate's own teaching hospital. It offers comprehensive, advanced medical care throughout Brooklyn, including a full-service hospital site (UHB at Central Brooklyn), eight intensive care and step-down units, 12 operating rooms, an adult and pediatric ER, a diagnostic and ambulatory surgery facility, and 75 outpatient clinics. UHB is licensed for 882 beds and provides care to over 300,000 patients annually.
SUNY Downstate also includes a major research complex and biotechnology facilities. It is the only healthcare facility in Brooklyn that holds the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology. More NYC physicians have trained at Downstate than at any other medical school.
Geoffrey Fieger's Hospitalization: What We Know So Far
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, SUNY Downstate is a public medical school and hospital in Brooklyn, New York. It is the southernmost member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
University Hospital at Downstate is a 342-bed hospital serving Brooklyn's 3 million residents. The hospital offers 24/7 emergency care and comprehensive, advanced medical care. It is also the only academic medical centre in Brooklyn.
The State University of New York (SUNY) and the Long Island College of Medicine merged in 1950, beginning the "Downstate" era. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower laid the cornerstone for the Basic Sciences Building, and the complex expanded rapidly over the following years.

















![Laurel & Hardy (Sons of the Desert/The Music Box/Another Fine Mess/Busy Bodies/County Hospital) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71v-vv7BT6L._AC_UY218_.jpg)










![The Hospital [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61oQ2sBPcmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)




