Burdett Birth Center to Receive Funding Support in NYS Budget 

The $1 million annually over five years will help Rensselaer County's birthing center maintain delivery services while seeking permanent solutions.

ALBANY, N.Y. – April 29, 2024 – Dr. Steven Hanks, president and CEO of St. Peter's Health Partners and St. Joseph's Health, today announced that Samaritan Hospital would be withdrawing its plan to transition deliveries from Burdett Birth Center at Samaritan Hospital to nearby St. Peter’s Hospital. The transition plan had been under consideration by the NYS Department of Health. 

The decision was made following news from Assemblymember John McDonald (108th District) and other legislators that this year's New York State budget includes grant funding of $1 million a year, over the next five years, to support maternity services in Rensselaer County. 

"As we have said since our initial announcement, we did not want to close Burdett," said Dr. Hanks. "At the time, transitioning delivery services from Burdett to nearby St. Peter's Hospital was the best option to preserve our ability to care for our community." 

Dr. Hanks offered his thanks to the legislative leaders who were instrumental in identifying the need and worked to obtain the funding. "The entire community owes a debt of gratitude to our legislative leaders for their efforts in support of determining the long-term viability of Burdett," he said. 

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy to see the rebirth of Burdett Birth Center (BBC) and appreciate the actions of the St. Peter's Health Partners board and executive team in rescinding the Certificate of Need request that would have closed BBC and transitioned all births to St. Peter's in Albany,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh. "I am deeply grateful to the Save Burdett Coalition and the many advocates who raised their voices from the very beginning and brought the community together to 

have their voices heard. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank the leadership of NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and our Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin. I worked with Speaker Heastie and Chair Paulin to secure the maternal health grant that will assist in keeping BBC open for at least the next five years while setting BBC on a path to hopefully expand their important work, which is the business of healthy mothers and babies. This has been an emotional ride for many. I do believe the community's voice was heard and there is a greater appreciation for the work that BBC accomplishes as it relates to maternal health. We now have an opportunity to expand BBC's reach in our communities and as a model of care as we welcome our newest members into the world while focusing on improving health outcomes." 

“The Assembly Majority knows how important it is for families to have quality care during pregnancy and delivery, and is committed to ensuring access particularly in underserved communities,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “Thanks to the hard work of Assemblymember John McDonald and community partners, funding included in this year’s budget will save the Burdett Birth Center in Troy, ensuring continued access to nationally recognized care for Capital District families.” 

“I’m pleased to partner with Assembly Member John McDonald on saving the Burdett Birth Center," said Assembly Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin. "Keeping maternity wards such as Burdett Birth Center open benefits women and families, as pregnant people and their loved ones don’t have to travel long distances to other hospitals to give birth. Burdett Birth Center also has an exemplary midwife-led model that greatly benefits birthing women in the Capital District.” 

While the funding is welcome and comes at a critical time, the decision to transition delivery services from Burdett to nearby St. Peter’s Hospital was driven by multiple factors, including a national nursing shortage and declining birth rates. With the funding, outreach will continue with local agencies and leaders to identify opportunities for enhanced community support and collaboration. It does not guarantee that Burdett Birth Center will remain open after the five-year period. 

"Since that initial announcement in June 2023, we have had extensive conversations with our community partners, local coalitions, and legislative leaders on how we could collaborate moving forward," Dr. Hanks added. "We are grateful that NYS heard our collective voices and acknowledged St. Peter's long-standing request for support." 

With the announcement, expectant individuals can continue to plan with their health care team to give birth at Burdett Birth Center. Those who planned their delivery for St. Peter's Hospital can speak with their provider about delivery at Burdett or remain at St. Peter's, knowing they will receive exceptional care, regardless of location. 

"We take great pride in our commitment to compassionate care for birthing individuals, both at Samaritan Hospital and St. Peter's Hospital," said Kim Baker, senior vice president of hospital operations for SPHP. "We are hopeful that this announcement will allay some of the anxiety that had grown in the community." 

Baker noted that work done to date to transition deliveries from Burdett Birth Center to St. Peter’s Hospital has led to greater integration and collaboration among staff. “There is a camaraderie at both locations that is wonderful to see in action," she said. 

"As our conversations continue over the next five years, we want to reinforce our commitment to Troy and the broader Rensselaer County communities is strong," said Baker. "We welcome the continued support and insight we know those communities will provide." 

For the latest information and community outreach on Burdett Birth Center, visit our landing page at https://www.sphp.com/burdett. 

About St. Peter’s Health Partners 

With 11,000 employees in more than 185 locations, St. Peter’s Health Partners is one of the Capital Region’s largest and most comprehensive not-for-profit integrated health care networks, and provides high-quality, compassionate, and sophisticated care to thousands of people every day. St. Peter’s Health Partners is a member of Trinity Health, one of the nation’s largest Catholic health systems. For more information, please visit www.SPHP.com.