New Niagara Falls hospital receives $2.5 million donation for mental health and endoscopy services

A hospital that’s currently taking shape in Niagara Falls just got a $2.5 million donation that will go towards its mental health and addiction and endoscopy departments.

Recently, the Niagara Health Foundation announced that the Branscombe Family Foundation donated a significant sum to the new south Niagara hospital in support of the facility’s It’s Our Future campaign. 

In a news release, the foundation said $2 million will support mental health and addiction services and $500,000 will go towards Endoscopy equipment. 

In recognition of the donation, the Mental Health and Addictions Ambulatory Services department will be named “The Branscombe Family Foundation Mental Health and Addictions Services.” Additionally, three endoscopy rooms and the waiting area for outpatient care procedures will bear the Branscombe Family Foundation’s name.

Established by Frank and Mildred Branscombe in 1977, the Branscombe Family Foundation supports a number of local causes, including healthcare and social programs and education initiatives. 

The Niagara Health Foundation says the charitable organization has donated over $3.5 million to Niagara Health over the past 30 years. The donations have been used to purchase endoscopy equipment, MRI equipment, CT scanners, pediatric equipment, hospital beds, and other items across all the Niagara Health sites.

In a news release, the health organization said the new mental health and addictions department will provide a holistic recovery model of care, “focusing on the physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and social needs of clients and families.”

“In Niagara, we are seeing a significant rise in mental health patients accessing hospital services. That’s why this generous $2.5 million gift from the Branscombe Family Foundation for Mental Health and Addictions Services is so important and impactful. It will help us offer much-needed care to more people in need in Niagara,” said Lynn Guerriero, president and CEO of Niagara Health, in a statement. 

Located at the corner of Montrose Road and Biggar Road in Niagara Falls, the new hospital will hold 469 single patient bedrooms, eight operating suites, 45 hemodialysis stations, and two MRI machines, as well as a full scope of hospital services, including complex care, wellness in aging and stroke, a full-service emergency department and intensive care unit, surgical care, dialysis, diagnostics and more.

Once built, it will bring an additional 156 beds to the region

It is expected to open in 2028.