New Jersey’s new surgical tower features state’s first intraoperative MRI system

Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center recently opened its 530,000-sf Helena Theurer Pavilion, a nine-story surgical and intensive care tower designed by RSC Architects and Page. The county’s first hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, a 781-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital, was founded in 1888.

The Pavilion features New Jersey’s first intraoperative MRI system, used during neurosurgical and neuro-interventional procedures to help neurosurgeons accurately remove tumors and treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Of the facility’s 24 operating rooms, six have been designed to accommodate robotic-assisted surgery systems, allowing surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures that may reduce recovery time and improve outcomes. 

The Pavilion also includes the following: 

• 72 post-anesthesia care unit beds and 50 intensive care unit (ICU) beds
• 175 medical/surgical beds, including a Musculoskeletal Institute and intermediate care rooms
• 12 negative-pressure rooms to reduce the risk of aerosolized disease transmission within the hospital
• Six da Vinci robotic surgical systems, including four orthopedic robots for joint replacement procedures
• All-private patient rooms

In addition, the entire building can be converted to a negative-pressure facility in the event of a future pandemic or public health emergency.

The Helena Theurer Pavilion incorporates features that enhance patient comfort, patient safety, and employee efficiency. These include dedicated CT imaging on the ICU floor, a monitor tablet outside each patient room for employees, in-room team workstations, and patient lift systems. 

“This is one of the largest hospital construction projects in the country, and we could not be more proud to advance healthcare for the communities we are privileged to serve,” Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, said in a statement.

On the Building Team:
Owner: Hackensack Meridian Health
Design and medical planning architect: Page
Architect of record (interior build-out of the Pavilion): Page
Architect of record (overall): RSC Architects
MEP: Syska Hennessy Group
Structural engineer: Reuther + Bowen
Construction manager: Blanchard Turner