University Hospital Unveils Major Emergency Department Expansion to Transform Emergency Care in the Region

Newest addition increases patient capacity to help meet the growing needs of the Newark community

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – University Hospital has unveiled the latest phase of its Emergency Department (ED) modernization – a 14,129 square foot expansion with 20 private treatment rooms and 9 flexible treatment cubicles. Designed to meet the growing needs of the patient population, this new addition comes just months after the first phase of the ED modernization was completed in an adjacent space.

The new spaces – known within the hospital’s Emergency Department as Zones 1 & 2 – include a waiting area, radiology registration area, and re-designed entrance and lobby to enhance the experience for both patients and their families, as well as two nurses’ stations and support areas that will help elevate collaboration and communication.

“When our Emergency Department was built in the 1970s, it was designed to accommodate just 50,000 visits per year. Today, we see well over 100,000 cases annually,” said Dr. Harsh Sule, University Hospital Emergency Medicine Physician and Interim Chair for Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “This is more than a construction project to our staff. It reinforces our commitment to providing patients with a better experience – one that is more efficient, safe, and individualized than ever before.”

As Northern New Jersey’s only state-certified Level I Trauma Center and New Jersey’s only public acute care hospital, University Hospital provides life-saving care to hundreds of thousands of patients each year from throughout the region.

“This new Emergency Department space is a taste for what’s to come for University Hospital as we embark on our plan to expand and modernize facilities across our campus,” said Dr. Kaitlan Baston, Interim CEO & President of University Hospital. “While there is still work to be done, this milestone reflects our commitment to our community today while we build the future of health care in Newark.”

This critical work was made possible by the continued advocacy of local legislators and the support of state officials, with resulting funding for project costs.

“This renewed space will enhance our emergency response capabilities, empowering our medical professionals with the upgraded infrastructure and technology necessary to deliver timely, life-saving treatment. It is an investment that reaffirms University Hospital’s commitment to health equity and the communities that rely on their services most during a moment of crisis,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help secure this critical funding for a facility that serves as both an anchor in Newark and a lifeline for New Jersey—and we remain committed partners in building a more compassionate, accessible, and resilient healthcare system.”

“University Hospital’s role in delivering care to our residents is essential,” said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin. “The Emergency Department expansion was about making sure patients and families have access to the care they need in a modern, supportive environment. We are proud to help secure funding for University Hospital, and I commend the hospital for putting these resources to work in ways that improve access to equitable, quality healthcare.”

“The expanded Emergency Department is an example of the return on our collective investment and obligation to patients, families, and hospital staff, including Newark residents,” said Assemblywoman Shanique Speight. “We are pleased to contribute to securing essential funding for this institution whose success is vital to the well-being of our city and the strength of New Jersey’s health care system.”

As University Hospital breaks ground on new buildings as part of the larger, multi-phase master plan to expand and modernize its shared campus with Rutgers Health, further improvements to the ED will be made to refresh existing patient areas.

“This vital step will help ensure the Newark community has access to the highest level of emergency medical care for generations to come,” said Tanya Freeman, Chair of the University Hospital Board of Directors. “We look forward to continuing to provide patients with exceptional care every time they walk through our doors.”