Coming soon: An expanded, state-of-the-art emergency department.
Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC) is healing, enhancing and investing in Hudson County through major initiatives, from primary care through cancer and cardiac care, and beyond. Soon, JCMC will unveil the $110 million expansion of its Emergency Department (ED) facilities, including convenient parking and advanced hybrid operating rooms. “We will be celebrating the opening and this significant investment in Hudson County health care in a very big way,” says Michael Prilutsky, President and CEO of JCMC. Here, he explains the vision behind the expansion.
Clockwise, renderings show the new ED entrance; child-size furniture to accommodate small patients; a private, comfortable observation room adjacent to the ED; and a bright, roomy waiting room.
What is the expected economic impact to Hudson County of the expanded ED?
Our mission is to create and sustain a healthy community, so the goal of any new investment has to support that. The expanded ED is no exception.
To start, we built a brand-new parking lot that’s well-lit and convenient. Inside, in addition to creating more ED space and providing the most modern equipment, we’ve created a totally separate experience for pediatric patients. The Pediatric ED has its own entrance area, waiting rooms, observation rooms and inpatient beds. It’s the only one of its kind in Hudson County.
On the second floor, we’ve built state-of-the-art hybrid operating rooms, which can accommodate different surgical specialties and advanced procedures, including minimally invasive surgery that allows faster recovery time.
As far as economic impact, having the best ED in Hudson County has a direct impact on the ability of people to go to work and earn a living. The expansion has created many jobs. Our advanced facilities also enable us to recruit and retain staff so that we have a great team serving our patients.
Top, the expanded ED will allow improved flow of traffic for visitors and staff. Bottom, one of the new hybrid operating rooms, which can accommodate both open and minimally invasive surgery.
What element of the new ED are you most excited about?
That would have to be the patient experience. We’re adding 60,000 square feet, doubling the size of the existing ED. That means there will be an improved flow of traffic for visitors as well as the health care and support staff that come through.
The space is larger, more modern, brighter and more accessible. We have much more room for storage and more space to enforce infection control. Young patients and their families will have spaces that are tailored to their needs. Separate pediatric exam rooms, observation units and inpatient beds right next to the ED will allow a seamless flow from one level of care to another. Our state-designated Level II Trauma Center, which serves all of Hudson County, is going from two rooms to four.
We do expect there to be more demand for our ED services as Jersey City and Hudson County continue to grow, but we don’t expect it to double. The reason for doubling the size of the ED is to provide safe, quality care. It’s very exciting to be able to stand up and say we’re offering the best health care team and by far the best facilities in Hudson County. Patients don’t need to go anywhere outside Hudson County to receive world-class care.
Learn more about Jersey City Medical Center emergency services for Hudson County.