Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center unveiled the new Dr. Robert H. Harris Emergency Care Center earlier this month.
This all-new facility provides the necessary space for the medical staff to address the needs of the community in a comfortable and private environment.
The 32,000-square-foot project has restructured the design of the hospital’s campus while greatly increasing its capacity to treat patients with emergent needs. It includes 35 private patient bays, swing space with capacity for pediatric care and new imaging equipment dedicated to Emergency Care Center patients.
In addition to enhancements to the patient care areas, the new facility features an enlarged ambulance arrival area that can accommodate up to six ambulances at once and a new walk-in arrival with dedicated parking for Emergency Care Center patients.
Located on the Garden State Parkway side of the campus, the facility is expected to treat up to 55,000 people annually for a variety of medical issues, both minor and life-threatening. It will offer decreased wait times and increased efficiency so patients with emergent needs have access to the most advanced emergency care available.
Built for the community, the Emergency Care Center was also funded largely in part thanks to their philanthropic contributions. In total, philanthropy contributed to one-quarter of the overall project cost, hospital officials said.
Thanks to a generous gift, the Dr. Robert H. Harris Emergency Care Center was named by Mary Ellen Harris and the Golden Dome Foundation in honor of her beloved husband. The pledge is the largest in Bayshore Medical Center’s history. In addition to a gift naming the Emergency Care Center, Harris and the Golden Dome Foundation also contributed to name the Jean and John Fay Pediatric Care Area, the Evelyn and Harold Harris Crisis Center and to provide state-of-the-art technology for the Emergency Care Center.
The completion of the new emergency care area now allows the hospital to begin renovations to the hospital’s new main entrance, located on the north side of the campus. The new main entrance will feature an enlarged lobby and seating area, creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Bob Garrett said the facility will have great impact.
“Bayshore Medical Center is defining our mission to transform health care,” he said. “The new Dr. Robert H. Harris Emergency Care Center expands our efforts to provide cutting-edge care that’s also convenient and offers a great patient experience. Bayshore Medical Center is a true community treasure — a center for excellence and compassionate care.”
Bayshore Medical Center CEO Frank Citara said the facility will improve care.
“Today begins a new era for Bayshore Medical Center with this brand new, state-of-the-art Emergency Care Center,” he said. “We are grateful to everyone who helped to make this project possible, including our wonderful board of trustees, donors and medical staff.”