As Valley Health System puts the finishing touches on its state-of-the-art hospital in Paramus, New Jersey, the regional healthcare provider prepares to usher in a new era of medical excellence in North Jersey. The culmination of years of planning and construction, the hospital’s grand opening on March 22 marked a significant milestone for Bergen County, drawing key figures including Governor Phil Murphy, elected officials, donors, and community members.
Situated on Winters Avenue, the new facility spans an impressive 910,000 square feet across seven floors and boasts 370 beds, making it a cornerstone of the network’s healthcare offerings. Designed to meet the evolving needs of one of the state’s most diverse and densely populated areas, the hospital features cutting-edge amenities such as single-patient rooms for enhanced privacy and healing, an expanded emergency department, spacious operating rooms equipped with the latest technology, and picturesque outdoor spaces.
The Paramus campus seamlessly integrates with existing Valley Health System facilities, including the Robert and Audrey Luckow Pavilion and the medical arts building, providing a comprehensive range of outpatient services alongside acute care. Audrey Meyers, CEO of Valley Health System, expressed her pride in the new hospital, emphasizing its role as a beacon of compassionate care for the community.
Replacing the network’s aging facility in Ridgewood, the Paramus hospital represents a strategic investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure. The decision to build in Paramus, despite initial plans to expand in Ridgewood, reflects Valley Health System’s commitment to meeting the long-term healthcare needs of North Jersey.
Paramus Mayor Christopher DiPiazza hailed the hospital’s opening as transformative for the community, positioning Paramus as a hub for world-class healthcare. Bergen County Executive James Tedesco echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the facility’s importance not only as a healthcare provider but also as a major employer in the region.
The hospital’s design, informed by input from healthcare professionals and staff, prioritizes flexibility, resilience, and sustainability. State-of-the-art systems, including artificial intelligence and smart beds, underscore Valley Health System’s commitment to patient safety and comfort.
With an estimated cost of $868 million, funding for the project was secured through a combination of bonds, hospital equity, and philanthropic contributions. The Valley Hospital Foundation’s successful capital campaign, which raised $120 million, represents the largest fundraising effort in the nonprofit’s history.
Key features of the new hospital include spacious single-patient rooms equipped with advanced communication and entertainment systems, a nurse server system to enhance efficiency and privacy, and AI-driven technology to prevent patient falls. The emergency department boasts 80 private exam rooms, ensuring patient privacy and comfort.
The hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit has transitioned to single-patient rooms, offering flexibility and space for families. Additionally, the facility is designed to meet high standards of sustainability, with features such as electric vehicle chargers, green roofs, and a cogeneration plant for efficient energy production.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital’s design has been adapted to address future public health crises, with increased isolation rooms and enhanced infection control measures. Valley Health System remains committed to providing exceptional care while ensuring the safety and well-being of patients and staff.
The opening of the Paramus hospital marks a significant milestone for Valley Health System and the broader community. With its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to patient-centered care, the hospital is poised to set a new standard for healthcare excellence in North Jersey and beyond.
