New York State Health Dept. Announces $1.5 Billion In Hospital Grants

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)-- State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced $1.5 billion in grants to hospitals up and down New York state as part of an ongoing effort to fund various projects.

"Projects that will direct people out of expensive emergency rooms where their needs can be better and more quickly met by less costly healthcare settings," Zucker told WCBS 880's Rich Lamb.

The commissioner noted nearly 75 percent of ER visits in New York state could be avoided. The savings would be $4.3 billion.

Greater New York Hospital Association President Ken Raske said the grants mean better care for less money.

"This will touch virtually every future patient in New York and that's the beauty of it," Raske told 880.