Bergen New Bridge Medical Center recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of its Emergency Department (ED). The ED will increase from 19 beds to 49 beds with a designated area for patients experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as pediatric and geriatric patients. Once the project is finished, the ED will be equipped with individual areas suited for those looking for mental health services and those seeking acute medical care with 30 beds dedicated to behavioral health and substance use disorder patients.
The current ED will be used to house acute medical care patients, while the new area is meant to house mental health patients with designated areas for patients who are geriatric or pediatric.
“With this expansion we are not merely constructing buildings, but we are building bridges of hope, healing, and resilience for our community,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “We are confirming our commitment to providing accessible, top tier health services to every individual who walks through our doors regardless of the nature of their ailment.”
The expansion comes as a result of the growing mental health crisis across the country, with the need for mental health services more necessary now than ever. The goal of the project is to provide all residents of New Jersey with high-quality mental health care.
“Bergen New Bridge has long been a beacon of hope and a beacon of healing,” said Cathleen Bennett, President & CEO, New Jersey Hospital Association. “With the groundbreaking of this state-of-the-art Emergency Department, the Medical Center is reaffirming its commitment to providing the highest quality of care to those in need, especially during critical times.”
The development of the expansion project marks a significant step in Bergen New Bridge’s journey to providing New Jersey citizens with the best care possible. The idea of the new area is to create a space where individuals with neurodivergence are able to feel comfortable before receiving care.
“Building more capacity with this expansion will not only foster an increased capability to provide care to the people who really need it, but it will expand the partnership with EMS services throughout the county,” said Matthew Ziemkiewicz, Deputy OEM Coordinator, Bergen County.