NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health on Monday announced the opening of its newly renovated and expanded Oncology and Infusion Center, marking a $2 million investment aimed at expanding access to cancer care in southern Brooklyn.
The project increased the number of exam rooms to 13 from five and infusion bays to 11 from seven, a move officials say is expected to double patient volume. The center also added a new service line with the hiring of Dr. Bindu Bahuleyan, a full-time, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, to support oncology patients through treatment and recovery.
“By integrating these critical services, South Brooklyn Health is not only re-designing its physical space, but improving its overall patient experience by making it more connected and accessible,” said Svetlana Lipyanskaya, chief executive officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health. “Patients can now receive screenings, consultations, treatment, and follow-up support all in one space, improving the overall continuum of care. This represents an important step forward in South Brooklyn Health’s commitment to supporting every patient throughout their cancer journey with dignity, expertise and hope.”
Staffing has grown from to 25 employees from about 16, a 56% increase. The redesigned center now brings together breast cancer prevention, infusion therapy, plastic surgery, rheumatology, medical oncology and survivorship services in one coordinated space, with the goal of streamlining care across specialties.
Hospital leadership said the expansion is designed to allow patients to receive screenings, consultations, chemotherapy, biologic therapies, supportive infusions and follow-up care in one location, reducing the need to travel elsewhere for services.
Oncology officials described the upgraded infusion suite and exam rooms as part of a broader effort to remove barriers to care, improve outcomes and provide more personalized cancer treatment. Community representatives also welcomed the expansion, citing both the physical redesign and the broader range of services now available.
“This center represents not just an achievement in healthcare, but a meaningful step in our ongoing mission to provide compassionate, high-quality cancer care right here in our community," said Dr. Selwena Brewster, Chief Medical Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health. "It allows local patients to receive life-saving treatments in a modern, supportive and coordinated environment without the need to leave South Brooklyn."
The Oncology and Infusion Center enhances the hospital's ability to offer timely and effective chemotherapy, biologic therapies and supportive infusions, while ensuring seamless continuity of care through our dedicated multidisciplinary teams, she said.
"What matters most is that it offers patients and families a space where they can feel dignity, comfort and reassurance during some of their most vulnerable times. Knowing that we can make a real difference in their journey is incredibly fulfilling for me personally," she said.
