Bergen New Bridge Unveils Emergency Department Expansion

On Feb 12, 2026

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Paramus, recently cut the ribbon on its Emergency Department (ED) expansion, which more than doubles the department’s footprint, growing from 19 to 47 treatment beds. The facility is designed to meet rising emergency care demands while delivering faster, more equitable, and more compassionate care for every patient who walks through its doors, according to the hospital.

At a time when emergency departments across the state are experiencing unprecedented volumes, the expansion is expected to strenthen Bergen New Bridge’s role as New Jersey’s largest hospital and a critical safety-net provider.

“What we are celebrating is far more than a ribbon cutting,” said Deborah Visconi, president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “This is a modern, thoughtfully designed Emergency Department built for the realities of today and the needs of tomorrow. At its core, this expansion means faster access to high-quality, lifesaving emergency care delivered with dignity, compassion, and equity for our neighbors, our families, and our entire region.”

A centerpiece of the expansion is the introduction of the EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) model, featuring spaces designed specifically for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. These specially designed areas move patients out of chaotic clinical settings and into therapeutic environments that promote stabilization, healing, and connection to ongoing care.

“This expanded Emergency Department reflects a clear understanding that emergency care must evolve,” said Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell. “It must meet people where they are, respond to complex medical and behavioral health needs, and do so with dignity and respect. Governor Sherrill and I share a deep commitment to strengthening access to care and improving health outcomes across our state, and today’s milestone reflects that shared priority.”

The expansion is a cornerstone of Bergen New Bridge’s health equity strategy, designed to increase access for communities disproportionately affected by chronic illness, substance use, mental health conditions, and barriers to care. The ED continues to treat all medical emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with an average wait time of just five to ten minutes, an increasingly rare distinction.

The new Emergency Department includes specially designed pediatric and geriatric areas to ensure age-appropriate care. It also features sensory-sensitive spaces for neurodivergent patients, offering a quieter, less stimulating environment staffed by professionals trained to meet their unique needs. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center recently earned designation as a Certified Autism Center, further reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, patient-centered emergency care.

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