Bikur Cholim of Monsey recently turned to Senator Bill Weber for assistance in restoring Shabbos accommodations at Helen Hayes Hospital in Haverstraw, which had been available before COVID but were never reinstated.
As part of his efforts, Senator Weber toured several local facilities. Guided by Shia Lefkowitz of Bikur Cholim, the Senator visited the Shabbos House at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, where he was deeply impressed by the accommodations and the Shabbos Room provided for patients’ families and hospital visitors.
Following this visit, Senator Weber met with the CEO and Administrative Director of Helen Hayes Hospital to discuss the urgent need for similar Shabbos accommodations. Just a week later, hospital leadership informed Senator Weber that they will be reopening 10 single-occupancy rooms located in the old houses behind the hospital, which had previously been used for Shabbos stays prior to the pandemic. These rooms are expected to become available by the end of September.
Looking further ahead, Helen Hayes Hospital plans to add 11 additional single-occupancy rooms on the hospital’s second floor by late January or early February, expanding the availability of overnight accommodations for Shabbos and beyond.
Community leaders expressed gratitude to Senator Weber for his advocacy, noting that his efforts will restore an important service for patients and families who rely on Shabbos accommodations during hospital stays.
Wow! Amazing news! Kuddos to Mrs. B. Lowy From Chesed 24/7 For getting this initiative rolling. As a family member of a patient in this rehab We cannot thank you enough may hashem repay you