Ocean Medical Center Opens New Emergency Department that Understands Patients Better

BRICK, N.J., March 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ocean Medical Center in Brick, NJ, has opened the new Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Emergency Care Center, which introduces a patient experience unlike any other in the region. The ribbon cutting to mark completion of the stunning new emergency department was held on Tuesday, and officially began treating patients today.

"We knew this was a rare opportunity to change the face of emergency care," says Dean Q. Lin, FACHE, president of Ocean Medical Center. "It was more than making a physical transformation. It was about creating an environment of tranquility and comfort when people are at their highest stress levels, and providing a setting that calms you every step of the way."

The medical center embarked on the ambitious project in June 2012 as part of an $82 million Master Facility Plan that is designed to meet the changing needs of the community. An emergency department unlike any other was at the heart of this initiative.

With a footprint triple the size of the existing space, the thoughtful design of the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Emergency Care Center provides patients and their families the best care in a beautiful, comfortable, healing environment. From the moment patients walk in the door, they are immediately guided to the appropriate treatment area. Privacy and comfort can be found in 49 rooms, some of which are dedicated to the unique needs of those with minor injuries, pediatric and behavioral health needs. Registration takes place at the bedside while care begins immediately. Improved processes, dedicated technology and skilled caregivers result in expedient care that gets patients back to the comfort of their own home.

"It's about time for an emergency department that understands patients better," says Lin. "We've taken into consideration the needs and wants of our patients, such as being seen immediately, having private rooms, and comfortable amenities for family and friends." The hospital has done away with crowded waiting areas; patients are escorted to a room right away. Family members will find comfortable lounges, serene gardens, guided imagery and fine art to reduce stress and anxiety.

"Tremendous community support has helped create this incredible healing environment," says John K. Lloyd, FACHE, president of Meridian Health. "We received a gift of $5 million at the onset of the project from the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation. This matching grant inspired others throughout the community and resulted in an unprecedented level of philanthropy for Ocean Medical Center. We are incredibly grateful to Edele Hovnanian and her family, as well as all donors, for embracing our future and helping to transform the patient experience at Ocean Medical Center." To date, over $10 million has been raised for the new emergency department.

About Ocean Medical Center
Standing out as a premier medical center along the Jersey Shore, Ocean Medical Center is home to exceptional talent, state-of-the-art technologies, and a growing medical campus, all surrounded by a community that offers quality of life for individuals and families of all ages. Ocean is a 321-bed non-profit community hospital located in Brick, New Jersey that provides health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines. Some key services include designation as a Primary Stroke Center; brain lab and neurological surgery; DaT Scan and advanced imaging technology; daVinci robotic surgery, general, thoracic, and vascular surgery; comprehensive cancer care and radiation therapy technologies; a Joint Commission accredited orthopedic program; one of the nation's most advanced cardiac catheterization laboratories and cardiac services; maternity, Acute Care of the Elderly, and critical care services. The Medical Center features Magnet award winning nurses who work in collaboration with the medical staff, and is a System Partner, along with the other Meridian Health facilities, with the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Ocean Medical Center also operates the state's first Satellite Emergency Department in Point Pleasant, the Ocean Care Center. The Medical Center has grown tremendously since opening in 1984 and is well positioned to evolve and respond to the changing community and health care landscape. Visit OceanMedicalCenter.com or 1-800-DOCTORS for more information.

CONTACT: Donna Sellmann, Public Relations Manager
[email protected], T: 732-840-4279, F: 732-836-4432

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140306/DC78480

SOURCE Ocean Medical Center