July 7, 2025
On the heels of opening its new Main Entrance and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Rome Health marked another transformative milestone Monday, July 7th with the opening of the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services. The new surgery center opened ahead of schedule, following final approval from the New York State Department of Health on July 3rd.
“Thanks to the close collaboration between our construction team, the New York State Department of Health, and the incredible agility and flexibility of our staff, we were able to accelerate the transition to our new facility,” said Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Edwards, MSN, RN, NE-BC. “This move comes at a critical time, as we’ve recently experienced inconsistencies with heating and humidity in the existing ORs that have disrupted case flow. Transitioning sooner ensures we continue caring for our patients in the safest possible environment.”
The new center is part of Rome Health’s $45.7 million capital improvement project to modernize surgical and critical care services, ensuring that patients in the Mohawk Valley have access to high-quality care in a state-of-the-art setting close to home.
Funded by a mix of public support and private philanthropy—including a $26 million New York State Healthcare Facility Transformation Grant, $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the City of Rome for the ICU and $500,000 in ARPA funds from Oneida County—the campaign has received enthusiastic support from more than 400 donors. The Kaplan Center for Surgical Services is named in honor of Charles and Florence Kaplan, whose landmark $5 million gift stands as the largest donation in Rome Health’s history.
“This is more than just a new space—it’s a major investment in the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Rome Health President and Chief Executive Officer AnneMarie Czyz, RN, EdD. “The Kaplan Center for Surgical Services is built for the future of surgery, combining clinical excellence, innovative technology, and a healing environment that puts patients first.”
Designed to improve both patient experience and staff efficiency, the Kaplan Center includes four spacious, state-of-the-art operating rooms designed to accommodate advanced surgical procedures, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, and two procedure rooms.
The Kaplan Center complements the hospital’s new 9-bed ICU, which opened June 18. The new ICU offers private rooms, family accommodations, specialty care rooms, and modern infection control systems—underscoring Rome Health’s mission to deliver the best care out there, right here.
The hospital’s newly redesigned Main Entrance also opened on June 18, enhancing patient and visitor access with expanded parking and a more welcoming arrival experience.
Phases II and III of the capital project—focused on renovating former operating rooms and constructing modern clinical support spaces—remain on track for completion in 2026.
To learn more about how you can support Rome Health’s ongoing capital projects, visit https://www.romehealthfoundation.org/.
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About Rome Health
Rome Health is a non-profit health care system based in Rome, N.Y., providing services to patients throughout Central New York. From primary and specialty care to long-term care, Rome Health delivers quality, compassionate medical care for every stage of life. We are a comprehensive health care system that connects you to the best clinicians and the latest technologies so they are easily accessible to you and your family. Rome Health is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Health and an affiliated clinical site of New York Medical College.