Building a 21st Century University Hospital
Cooper University Hospital's $222 Million Facility Expansion in Camden
Cooper prides itself on tradition. For over 118 years, patients from Camden and the surrounding communities throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the entire Delaware Valley have come to Cooper University Hospital to receive a comprehensive range of health care services, including the highest level of tertiary care in the region. Through the leadership of its trustees, its tradition of clinical excellence, and wide support throughout the South Jersey region, Cooper University Hospital is increasingly recognized as the premier university-level health care provider in the Southern New Jersey region.
In June of 2004, Cooper University Hospital announced the expansion to Cooper’s Health Sciences Campus that includes a new patient care pavilion attached to the existing facility. Subsequently, plans for the new patient care pavilion was expanded from six floors (211,000 sq. ft.) to ten floors (312,000 sq. ft.), with the inclusion of additional landscape improvements and patient amenity design features. This expansion involves the most dramatic physical expansion of the hospital in nearly 30 years. This will make Cooper the premier 21st century university hospital and academic medical center serving the seven South Jersey counties and the Delaware Valley Region.
The expansion project at Cooper is a direct reflection of the growth in services that Cooper has experienced over the past several years. Cooper, home of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Camden, has earned recognizable success in clinical care, primarily driven by the growth of its Centers of Excellence –The Cooper Heart Institute, The Cooper Bone & Joint Institute, Cooper Cancer Institute, Cooper Trauma, Cooper Critical Care and The Cooper Neurologic Institute.
The Inspiration Behind Our New Pavilion
When we set out to design our new Pavilion, we talked to architects and building officials – but more importantly, we talked to you. We asked how we could make your total experience better, from admission to discharge. And what we came up with was a design that enhances your comfort and quality of care and allows us to treat even more people in the region.
Patient-Centered Focus
The new Pavilion was designed to enhance many things, including:
- Emotional Support
- Physical Comfort
- Respect for Patients’ Values
- Information and Education
- Access to Quality Care
- Transition to Normal Life
The Lobby
The minute you step into the lobby of our new Pavilion, you’ll feel welcomed by the large, open design that includes a public café, gathering space for community events, resource center and retail store for patients and visitors. A reference center will provide healthcare information. And there’s a meditation room for prayer or reflection with counseling services offered by Cooper’s Pastoral Care Program.
All The Comforts of Home
At Cooper, we understand that being comfortable and having loved ones around is an important part of the healing process. And it’s an important part of the design of our new Pavilion. Every patient room is private with separate areas for caregivers and visitors. Advanced ventilation systems and noise reduction technology enhance comfort and improve the overall atmosphere. Even the décor elements have been carefully selected – keeping in mind how the room will be used.
Welcoming Features
Many amenities will be offered to support patient, family and staff needs, including:
- Free daily newspapers, delivered each morning
- A convertible bed in every room for family members
- Internet access in all patient rooms and workstations
- Quiet lounge areas with comfortable seating, reading materials, a multi-media area and pantry
Improved Patient Care
The new Pavilion was designed to support our medical team in providing you with superior care. Large patient rooms will provide easy access to patients and increased space for bedside attention. Private staff areas allow the entire medical team to meet to discuss individual patient progress and treatment options. Strategically located nursing stations equipped with the latest technology hasten response time and improve patient care.
A Serious Commitment
This new expansion on the Camden, New Jersey campus will enable Cooper to reach new levels of excellence in providing patient-centered, technologically-advanced medical care to the entire Delaware Valley. This is just the first phase of a long-term commitment to expand the quality of healthcare and economic growth of the region. Now more than ever, serious care starts here.
Building a Health Sciences Campus and Neighborhood
Cooper University Hospital's pavilion project is a key part of our efforts to create a 21st century Health Science Campus, which will also include a new $130 million Academic and Research Building at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School as well as a proposed stem cell institute, auditorium and public meeting center, clinical research building, cancer treatment and research facility, clinical office building and additional off-street parking.
In addition, landscaping and decorative lighting for the entire Cooper Plaza area are planned to enhance safety and create a memorable evening presentation. The campus streetscape will extend into the neighborhood, using materials that complement the existing historical buildings. The goal is a secure, well-lit community and campus where people feel safe walking, both day and night.
The Cooper Health Sciences Campus for the 21st Century is an investment in the future of healthcare for Camden and all of South Jersey.
View Artist Renditions of the New Pavilion, Lobby and Public Spaces