Newark Hospital Opens New Geriatric Unit For Older Adults

NEWARK, NJ — Newark Beth Israel Medical Center has opened a new comprehensive geriatric unit, hospital administrators recently announced.

According to a statement from the hospital:

“The new, dedicated geriatric unit consists of 24 private rooms, spanning two floors of the hospital, and is specifically outfitted to meet the unique needs of older adult patients. The new geriatric unit features rooms large enough to accommodate physical therapy activities, beds specifically designed to reduce pressure injuries and reduce fall hazards, cushioned slip resistant flooring, sliding doors to private bathrooms, with bathroom guard rails for ease of access. In addition, select rooms have been outfitted with equipment to support patients who are not ambulatory. The hallways are brightly colored with color blocking patterns that help guide and orient patients. Hallways are also fitted with guardrails, pull out seating, a centralized nursing station and dimmable lighting. The unit also features wheelchair accessible family visitor lounges.”

“This new unit is part of our ongoing commitment to delivering world class care to our patients at every age and stage of life,” said Darrell Terry Sr., president and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.

“We have equipped every room and hallway to ensure that older adults and their loved ones have an excellent experience and receive the highest quality care in the safest environment,” Terry said.

Hospital administrators added:

“The new geriatric unit further enhances patient care for older adults at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Newark Beth Israel is a NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) Exemplar hospital. In addition to specialized inpatient care, the hospital offers specialized emergency care for older adults in the Donald M. Payne, Sr., Geriatric Emergency Department.”

According to Newark Beth Israel administrators, the new geriatric unit is part of an extensive $150 million expansion project, which is the largest the hospital has seen in more than 50 years. A key component of the project will be the hospital’s new main lobby, an estimated 17,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed space, that will move the hospital’s front entrance back onto Lyons Avenue. The project also includes expanded adult and pediatric emergency departments, new hybrid operating rooms, a new critical care unit, and a brand-new renovated maternity unit.

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is a RWJBarnabas Health facility.

• See related article: Historic Renovation Continues At Newark Beth Israel

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