Newark Hospital Expands Its Emergency Department (Take A Peek Inside)

NEWARK, NJ — When it was built in the 1970s, the emergency department at University Hospital in Newark was designed to accommodate about 50,000 visits per year. These days, the busy medical center sees well over 100,000 cases – and a major expansion project is coming just in the nick of time, administrators say.

As Northern New Jersey’s only state-certified Level I Trauma Center – and New Jersey’s only public acute care hospital – University Hospital provides life-saving care to hundreds of thousands of patients each year.

On Tuesday, administrators unveiled the latest phase of its Emergency Department modernization: a 14,129 square foot expansion with 20 private treatment rooms and nine flexible treatment cubicles.

The new spaces – known within the hospital’s Emergency Department as Zones 1 and 2 – include a waiting area, radiology registration area and re-designed entrance and lobby, as well as two nurses’ stations and support areas.

Take a video tour of the expansion below or view it online here (article continues underneath).

Designed to meet the growing needs of the patient population, this new addition comes just months after the first phase of the modernization was completed in an adjacent space.

“This new Emergency Department space is a taste for what’s to come for University Hospital as we embark on our plan to expand and modernize facilities across our campus,” said Kaitlan Baston, interim CEO and president of University Hospital.

“While there is still work to be done, this milestone reflects our commitment to our community today while we build the future of health care in Newark,” Baston said.

• See Related: University Hospital Discusses New ‘Ultimate Vision,’ Master Plan
• See Related: University Hospital Kicks Off Major Expansion Project In Newark

Three state legislators who represent Newark in the 29th district gave a thumbs-up to the hospital’s most recent expansion.

“This renewed space will enhance our emergency response capabilities, empowering our medical professionals with the upgraded infrastructure and technology necessary to deliver timely, life-saving treatment,” Sen. Teresa Ruiz said.

“The expanded Emergency Department is an example of the return on our collective investment and obligation to patients, families, and hospital staff, including Newark residents,” Assemblywoman Shanique Speight said.

“University Hospital’s role in delivering care to our residents is essential,” Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin agreed.

“The Emergency Department expansion was about making sure patients and families have access to the care they need in a modern, supportive environment,” continued Pintor Marin, who chairs the Assembly Budget Committee.

“We are proud to help secure funding for University Hospital, and I commend the hospital for putting these resources to work in ways that improve access to equitable, quality health care,” the assemblywoman added.

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