North Shore-LIJ Health System Considers Building Biocontainment Unit

GLEN COVE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Ebola scare has fueled a plan to build a permanent biocontainment facility on Long Island.

Officials at North Shore-LIJ Health System want to build a $15 million biocontainment unit at one of their 16 hospitals.

Listen to North Shore-LIJ Health System Considers Building Biocontainment Unit

Chief Executive Michael Dowling said a more permanent solution to major infectious disease outbreaks is needed, emphasizing that the global risk of Ebola will not disappear anytime soon.

Dowling estimates it would take about 18 months to build a specialized unit.

He didn't identify where they proposed to locate it, but it is worth mentioning North Shore-LIJ's Glen Cove Hospital has been designated one of eight in the state to treat Ebola patients.

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