MERIDIAN HEALTH
Jersey Shore University Medical Center


Challenge 
In order to further their mission and respond to the demands of a growing community, Jersey Shore University wanted to expand. Additional inpatient beds, more outpatient services, and improvement in access and circulation within the campus needed to be considered.

Solution
The existing master plan was updated to reflect the hospitals needs through 2012, laying the groundwork for current and future expansions. A new Emergency Department with a Level-1 Trauma Center, a new Diagnostic and Treatment facility that includes expansion of surgical services, cardiac ICU and other support services, and a new 975-car parking garage are currently under construction. The new atrium infuses sunlight and natural perspectives into the entrance, welcoming visitors to a healing environment.

Jersey Shore’s tradition of providing compassionate care for their patients also involves providing healthy environments to facilitate healing. Consequently they are committed to providing a healthy and sustainable environment. To reinforce their commitment they have chosen to seek LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification, a recognition that their new facilities will meet the highest green building and performance measures.

Results
The new design will dramatically expand the hospital’s capacity, capability and healing efficacy while creating a strong connection to nature. JSU created a community campaign and a refreshed identity, based partially on their new building’s design. The major changes and additions to the campus are the first step in the hospitals five-year expansion program “Transforming Care: The New Jersey Shore.”

This project was also designated a “Pebble Project”, a partnership between The Center for Health Design and healthcare organizations throughout the US. The goal is to examine and document the effects of evidence-based design on financial performance and quality of care .