PARAMUS, N.J. — Bergen New Bridge Medical Center has dramatically expanded its emergency department, growing from 19 beds to 49 as patient visits climb 22% since the new facility opened in April.
The $10 million project transformed the hospital’s existing emergency department space rather than requiring a new building. The expanded department is designed to serve nearly 14,000 patients annually and is expected to grow to more than 60 beds when the final wing is completed in 2027.
The new facility features additional examination rooms, updated technology and a redesigned layout aimed at improving patient flow. The hospital also added about 15 nurses and six security guards as part of the expansion.
Among the new features is a 15-bed wing for more agitated patients, helping separate them from calmer patients, including children. The department also includes an “Empath Room,” designed as a more relaxed environment with recliners, natural lighting and ambient sounds.
Staff safety was another focus of the project. A door-within-a-door design helps prevent patients from barricading themselves inside rooms, while a new nurse’s station is surrounded by plexiglass.
Since opening, emergency department visits have increased 22%, including a 23% increase in medical cases such as broken bones and infections.
Hospital President Deborah Visconi said the expansion addresses the growing demand for emergency care at Bergen New Bridge, a 1,070-bed safety-net hospital and long-term care facility.
About 37% of the hospital’s emergency patients use Medicaid, while another 32% are uninsured, according to the hospital.
The expanded department was also designed with patients with autism in mind. Lighting is more muted, while headphones, fidget toys, rocking chairs and white-noise machines are available to create a calmer environment.
About 80% of emergency department staff, from food services workers to physicians, have been certified to interact with adults and children with autism.
The hospital expects demand for emergency services to continue growing as New Jersey’s population ages and changes to Medicaid and health insurance coverage potentially leave more residents without coverage.
“Because of our expanded footprint, we feel confident that we have the availability of the beds and the access,” Visconi said.
