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Saint Michael's Breaks Ground on Emergency Department Expansion
"This is a major redevelopment initiative that will enhance our ability to deliver top-quality patient care," said David A. Ricci, the hospital's president and CEO. He remarked on the continuing evolution of the hospital in the decades since its first emergency patient was transported to Saint Michael's in 1867. "What hasn't changed is our commitment to providing healing to all who come through our doors," said Ricci. The project's first phase includes the construction of a new campus driveway from University Avenue and the relocation of the hospital's ambulance entrance to Central Avenue -- changes designed to improve traffic flow and make it easier for physicians and emergency responders to provide fast, effective treatment. Over the next two years, the hospital will move its main driveway, entrance, and lobby to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and will expand its emergency department into a state-of-the-art center with 22 treatment bays and capacity for double the current volume. The emergency room had more than 31,000 visits in 2010. "We've been a part of this community for more than 140 years," said Medical Staff President Dr. Claudia Komer. "And as this project clearly demonstrates, we plan to continue serving Newark in the years to come." "The emergency department expansion at Saint Michael's is an important piece of the more than $700 million in capital investments being made during this 'Groundbreaking Year' in Newark," said Stefan Pryor, Newark's Deputy Mayor for Economic and Housing Development. Other speakers included Newark City Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr.; State Assemblywoman Mila Jasey; Mark Hopkins, executive director of the N.J. Health Care Facilities Financing Authority; Dr. Lee Leak, the hospital's director of Emergency Medicine; and H. Ray Welch, Jr., EVP-Ministry Operations at Catholic Health East. Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching, and research center in the heart of Newark’s business and educational district. Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a member of Catholic Health East. Based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Catholic Health East is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, with 34 hospitals in 11 states. More information is available at www.smmcnj.org.
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