Helen Hayes Hospital Updates Shabbos Room

NY DOH Press Releases 2026

Published February 24th, 2026

Detected February 27th, 2026

Summary

Helen Hayes Hospital, a New York State Department of Health facility, has completed renovations to its Shabbos Room, enhancing the space for Jewish patients and families. The updated room offers improved comfort and functionality to support religious observance.

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What changed

Helen Hayes Hospital has completed renovations to its Shabbos Room, a dedicated space for Jewish patients and families. The updates include new flooring, paint, seating, tables, a private entrance, and a kosher refrigerator, aiming to provide a comfortable and functional environment for prayer and observing Shabbat.

This initiative by the hospital, under the New York State Department of Health, demonstrates a commitment to health equity and honoring the spiritual needs of its diverse patient population. While this is a facility improvement and not a regulatory mandate, it highlights best practices in patient-centered care and religious accommodation within healthcare settings.

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Renovated Space Supports Religious Observance

WEST HAVERSTRAW, NY (February 24, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital is pleased to announce the completion of renovations to its Shabbos Room, a dedicated space for patients and families of the Jewish faith. The updated room provides a private, welcoming environment for prayer, kosher meals, and observing Shabbat if desired.

The Shabbos Room has been fully refreshed to enhance comfort and usability, featuring a new floor, freshly painted walls, and updated seating and tables. The space now includes a dedicated private entrance for added convenience, and a kosher refrigerator remains available to support patients and families.

“Achieving health equity involves providing unique services and comforting spaces so those in our care can thrive. I congratulate Helen Hayes on this thoughtful and compassionate expansion as this dedicated space will be an asset for patients and their families,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

“Our goal with this renovation was to create a space that is both functional and inviting for our Jewish community,” said Chief Executive Officer of Helen Hayes Hospital Scott Guevin. “We are proud to provide a private, calming environment where families can come together for religious observance and connection.”

Helen Hayes Hospital is committed to honoring the cultural and spiritual needs of the communities it serves. By providing welcoming spaces and services that foster comfort and connection—such as the hospital’s Shabbos Room, Chapel, and Quiet Rooms—the hospital supports these vital aspects of healing and reaffirms its mission to deliver compassionate, patient-centered rehabilitation care.

For more information about the Shabbos Room and other patient services at Helen Hayes Hospital, contact the hospital’s Patient Relations Department at 845-786-4210.

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