Atlantic Health System Public Relations Department
Karen Zatorski
Exterior Work Underway for Dedicated Pediatric Ambulance and Walk-In Entrances
July 27, 2023 -- Morristown, New Jersey – Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center Sameth Emergency Department’s long-term expansion and modernization construction project is progressing as planned with an expected completion in 2024. The newly enhanced Emergency Department space will meet the community’s current and future needs to continue to provide exceptional care, better outcomes and improved operational flow.
Exterior construction is currently underway to create a dedicated ambulance entrance for pediatric patients at Gagnon Children’s Emergency Department as well as a separate pediatric exterior vestibule walk-in entry on the Franklin Street side of campus. There will also be a new pediatric ambulance canopy and parking area, as well as valet parking for Goryeb Children’s Hospital. This phase of construction is expected to take approximately four months.
“To see the construction progress is incredibly rewarding as we work diligently to continue to bring exceptional emergency care for adult and pediatric patients throughout our community,” said Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN, President of Morristown Medical Center, and Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Atlantic Health System. “Our bold vision for the future of emergency medicine is taking shape in dynamic ways, and we are grateful to our team members, neighbors and donors for their ongoing patience and profound support.”
To date, the interior construction work has advanced significantly, including the relocation of the Pediatric Day Hospital and Sleep Center, an outpatient unit for procedures that require sedation or special monitoring.
As a Level 1 ACS Trauma Center, Morristown Medical Center’s Emergency Department is among the busiest in the State of New Jersey, averaging well over 100,000 patient visits per year.
Community Support
Thanks in great part to the overwhelming support from the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center donor community, the initial $10 million fundraising goal for the Campaign for Building Excellence in Emergency Care, led by Campaign Chair Bill Marino, was met in just over a year’s time. Building on the growing momentum, the goal was increased to $12.5 million to help support additional vital equipment upgrades, new technology and educational opportunities for physicians, nurses and emergency care specialists. To date, more than $12 million has been raised toward the $12.5 million goal.
Best-in-Class Technology
Best-in-class technology upgrades throughout the Emergency Department include advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners which shorten imaging time for pediatric patients and minimizes the need for anesthesia, as well as enhanced patient monitoring and nurse call systems. The expansion will feature real-time electronic systems that will deliver results and updates for the trauma and high-acuity care teams, as well as monitors to help inform patients of their treatment plan in a timely manner. The latest heating, ventilation and air conditioning with high efficiency particulate air filtration systems will be installed throughout the new Emergency Department.
Morristown Medical Center’s new Emergency Department will have nearly 100 adult treatment rooms and bays and will feature the most advanced charge desk that serves as the ‘control center.’ The expansion will also allow for the relocation of the Adult Behavioral Health Unit providing space that will have natural light, additional space, soothing colors and enhanced patient comforts.
Campus Safety Measures and Parking
Valet parking is available to help patients and visitors navigate the campus, and parking is available in the East Garage for all Emergency Department and Goryeb Children’s Hospital visitors. Additionally, new vehicle and pedestrian safety precautions are in place as changing traffic patterns impact the campus. This includes a temporary walkway from the East Garage to the Goryeb Children’s Hospital and Emergency Department entrances.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of 19,000 team members and 5,440 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 12 counties and 6.2 million people. The not-for-profit system offers more than 400 sites of care, including its seven hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and through its partnership with CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold, NJ.
The system includes Atlantic Medical Group, part of a physician enterprise that makes up one of the largest multispecialty practices in New Jersey with more than 1,600 physicians and advance practice providers. Joined with Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners they form part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.
Atlantic Health System provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 24 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Anywhere Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.
Atlantic Health System leads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, a partnership of six regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability and is a founding member of the PIER Consortium – Partners in Innovation, Education, and Research – a streamlined clinical trial system that will expand access to groundbreaking research across five health systems in the region.
Atlantic Health System has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University and is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers and is the official health care partner of the New York Jets.