On the day they cut the ribbon on a newly renovated ambulatory surgery center, officials at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center announced that Dr. Christopher Kollar has been named the new chair of surgery.
CEO Deb Visconi said Thursday was a day to remember.
“Today is another exciting day in what has been over four years of transformation and growth,” she said. “We made a commitment to listen to the needs of our communities and work to provide the services, procedures and care most in demand.
“Today, as we cut the ribbon to our new ambulatory surgery center, we continue to fulfill this promise. This is truly a proud moment for all of us made more meaningful by the announcement of Dr. Kollar as our new chair of surgery.”
Kollar said he was humbled and honored.
“In the 25 years I have been affiliated with the medical center, I never thought I would be standing here, seeing the growth and expansion that led to this center,” he said. “I am honored and excited to continue to build our services and provide much needed care to our communities.”
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, a clinical affiliate of Rutgers University, is both the largest hospital (1,070 beds) and the largest licensed nursing home in the state. It is the fourth-largest publicly owned hospital in the country.
Julia Orlando, the chairperson of the board of trustees, said the events signal the upward direction of the center.
“I have a long history with this facility, and I can say firsthand that the growth and advancements that have occurred over these past few years are impressive, inspiring and unprecedented,” she said. “I look forward to many more moments like this one showcasing the true transformation of the medical center.”
The announcements drew praise from a number of local officials:
- Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco: “(The) ribbon-cutting is yet another example of the impressive and ongoing transformation at the county’s public hospital, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, which continues to garner national acclaim. The facility has evolved not only into a tremendous hub of health care, but a shining community asset, and I am excited for what the future of the facility holds.”
- Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur: “Understanding the needs of the community and providing access to care for all Bergen County residents, insured, underinsured and uninsured alike, is what truly makes today even more meaningful.”
