NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull has landed $5 million in funding to expand its emergency department and relieve overcrowding.

Hospital officials say the money is all thanks to efforts from the Brooklyn delegation that includes Councilmembers Antonio Reynoso and Mark Treyger.

Doctors and staff members say for years the hospital has suffered from overcrowding, which can affect patient care.

The funding will go toward renovations that will create more space at the hospital and bring in new state-of-the art equipment. Officials say the changes will not only improve patient care, but also the quality of time patients spend in the hospital.

"One of the main things patients need is dignified space so the doctor has enough private time with the patients so they don't feel rushed and they don't feel constrained," says Dr. Edward Fishkin, the hospital medical director.

Officials say the improvements to the emergency department are only the first step to improving overall care at the hospital.