Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Major Emergency Department Expansion

The expansion will more than double the available beds and create specially designed “living room” style areas for those experiencing a mental health crisis

Paramus, NJ – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center held a groundbreaking ceremony for its major Emergency Department (ED) expansion project. The ED currently has 19 beds and will increase to 49 beds with specialized areas for those experiencing a mental health crisis, pediatric patients, and geriatric patients. Once completed, the ED will have separate areas for those seeking mental health services and those coming in for acute medical care with 30 beds dedicated to behavioral health and substance use disorder patients. 

“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.”

“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.”

“Today’s groundbreaking underscores Bergen New Bridge’s commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of their community and providing specialty services and support in areas including behavioral health, substance use, geriatrics, and for children and teenagers experiencing mental health crises,” said Deborah Hartel, Deputy Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health.

“We are going to break walls down to make an Emergency Department that will allow people to get acute care, the emergency care they critically need in way that is dignified,” said James J. Tedesco, III, Bergen County Executive. “Bergen New Bridge has proven itself as a leader in healthcare and with this groundbreaking for the expanded Emergency Department, the future of the county’s hospital has never been brighter.”

“The expansion of the Emergency Department marks a significant step in our collective journey to ensuring access to high quality healthcare for all members of the community,” said Germaine Ortiz, Chairwoman, Bergen County Board of Commissioners. “This event represents a profound dedication to meeting the diverse and evolving healthcare needs of our residents.”

“The living room concept in the newly expanded Emergency Department will create a calming environment where neurodivergent individuals can feel comfortable and safe while they await and receive treatment,” said Dinorah D’Auria, CEO, North Jersey Friendship House. “This state-of-the-art facility will help prevent the escalation of distress that can sometimes result from a visit to the ED with lower lighting, selected fabrics, manipulatives and toys for children, weighted blankets, calming colors, and more.”

“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.