Syracuse has one of the lowest hospitalization rates in the nation, thanks to an efficient local health care system. Almost 1,500 physicians and 6,000 registered nurses serve the population of Syracuse and Onondaga County. More than 2,000 inpatient beds are available in five hospitals.
Crouse Hospital is a not-for-profit facility with 576 beds, including a 51-bed neonatal intensive care unit. It also offers high-risk maternity care, pediatric services, cardiac care and the region's only substance abuse program. It is currently undergoing a renovation of its Intensive Care and Dialysis Units with completion expected in 2006. Community General Hospital operates 306 acute-care beds and 50 nursing care beds; in addition to medical, surgical and emergency care it also runs three specialty centers dedicated to wound care, breast health and sleep. St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center is Syracuse's busiest hospital based on patient volume; it offers emergency and intensive care, ambulatory surgery, dialysis, mental health programs, maternity care and rehabilitation. University Hospital operates four Centers of Excellence in Oncology, Pediatrics, Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Health; it is the region's only teaching hospital. Syracuse VA Medical Center offers acute medical and surgical services, a variety of specialty services and short-term nursing care. Psychiatric care is offered at Hutchings Psychiatric Center and Benjamin Rush Center.