By Eric Peterson
GlobeSt.com

NEPTUNE, NJ-Officials of Jersey Shore University Medical Center broke ground for a $290 million expansion and renovation effort that will add some 400,000 sf to the existing 600,000-sf complex and renovate another 100,000 sf. According to Steven G. Littleson, president of the facility, “it’s the largest hospital building project in New Jersey. We have always been committed to advancing the level of care we provide our communities.”

The project, slated to be completed in about three years, will add a new patient care pavilion with all-private rooms, a new diagnostic and treatment building, a new unit dedicated to cardiac patients, a new emergency department and trauma center, expanded parking, access improvements and general, extensive renovations. The property is owned by Meridian Health, which also owns and operates Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ and Ocean Medical Center in Brick, NJ.

Specifically, the new 213,000-sf Northwest Pavilion will house the expanded emergency and trauma facilities. Three floors will be built out as a new 36-bed all-private nursing unit, with a fourth floor shell for potential future expansion. Situated in 12-bed “neighborhoods,” the new nursing units will incorporate a new “magnet” nursing model with enhanced services. 

“Less than 3% of the nation’s hospitals qualify for ‘magnet’ designation, which recognizes the highest standards of nursing,” says Dr. Richard Hader, senior vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer for Meridian health. “This care model and evidence-based design creates a better healing environment.”

North of the medical center’s existing Mehandru Pavilion, the project will add a new 109,000-sf diagnostic and treatment pavilion with a half-dozen new surgical suites, as well as a shelled intensive care unit. A new 975-car parking garage will also feature a rooftop heliport. And renovations throughout the existing facility will include an expanded ambulatory care center.