Developing Long Island Featured Project: Good Samaritan University Hospital – Patient Care Pavilion

West Islip, NY EW Howell Construction Group provided pre-construction and, subsequently, construction services for the Patient Care Pavilion project for Good Samaritan University Hospital, which has provided medical care on Long Island since 1959. As the hospital’s first major expansion in over 30 years, the six-story, 298,000 s/f Patient Care Pavilion was deemed essential to meet current and future healthcare needs on Long Island’s South Shore. Moreover, this $500 million expansion represents the largest investment in Suffolk County by Catholic Health to date.

This project’s scope of work included the modernization of the emergency department and a state-of-the-art operating suite. It also included a new 75-room emergency department that's larger in size than a football field, a new 16-room surgical suite with each room ranging between 500 to 850 s/f, an inpatient bed floor with up to 36 beds, a new central supply/processing department, and mechanical space. The expansion of the existing emergency department was critical, as Good Samaritan University Hospital sees approximately 250 to 320 patients per day. Additionally, as the focus on minimally invasive and outpatient surgical procedures increases, a larger surgical suite was required.

Prior to construction, Catholic Health developed mock-ups of the Patient Care Pavilion, which is located adjacent to the hospital’s North Wing. Catholic Health sought input from its physicians and nurses, allowing medical specialists to share their insights directly. This collaborative approach influenced the layout and workflow of the new pavilion, ensuring that it effectively served both staff and patients.

This collaboration shaped all aspects of the Patient Care Pavilion, including its dedicated medical-surgical floor. Each room is equipped with smart-room technology, video conferencing capabilities, private baths, and ample space for companions. These features illustrated Catholic Health’s focus on patient comfort at every stage of the project.

The patient’s experience is the top priority at the Patient Care Pavilion, starting from the moment they set foot in the facility. The lobby features abundant natural light, comfortable seating in tranquil waiting rooms, and the use of aquatic video. These are just a few elements that contribute to a positive first impression. From the very beginning, patients can feel assured that they will receive the highest level of care.

Through this expansion, Good Samaritan University Hospital has been elevated to a Level 1 trauma center, which provides patients with the highest level of care available. As part of the expansion, 2 of the new 16 surgical rooms are hybrid suites, which enable faster response times to emergencies such as trauma, stroke, and cardiac events. The facility has been designed with high-quality finishes, hospitality-inspired form, and patient-centric services, with ready access to operating rooms, critical care units, and inpatient beds.

The Patient Care Pavilion was also designed with sustainability as a focus. Green elements of the pavilion include energy-efficient systems, optimized LED and the aforementioned natural lighting, and daylight-harvesting controls. Additionally, enhanced air filtration systems are in place, along with the use of recycled and low-emission materials. The pavilion also incorporates courtyard gardens to promote healing environments. In short, the Patient Care Pavilion team remained mindful of its ecological impact during construction.

This project illustrated EW Howell’s ability to overcome challenges. For example, during the construction of the Patient Care Pavilion, the hospital’s main entrance was disrupted. To address this, a new temporary main entrance was built on the south side of the hospital. This solution allowed the hospital to maintain its operations while construction was in progress. EW Howell’s close coordination with subcontractors and partners was integral to the project’s success as well, as they worked together to navigate challenges and stay on schedule.

On December 3, 2025, the Patient Care Pavilion officially opened its doors to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Angie Carpenter, Town Supervisor, said that Good Samaritan University Hospital “has been defined by healing, caring, and dignity.” Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health, said that “this investment affirms our steadfast commitment to advancing the standard of care to ensure every patient who walks through our doors receives the best possible outcomes, always with a level of dignity and compassion unique to Catholic Health.”

EW Howell is proud of its longstanding relationship with Catholic Health, having completed multiple transformative healthcare products together. Our collaboration is comprised of various initiatives at Good Samaritan University Hospital, such as renovations of the Baxter Lobby and fourth-floor postpartum unit. In addition, we’ve completed standalone projects, including the construction of the Mercy Medical Family Care Center in Rockville Centre. These are just a few projects that highlight our diverse and expanding healthcare portfolio, which Catholic Health remains an integral part of.