Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, N.J., is planning a $9 million project to create dedicated spaces in its emergency room for patients seeking mental healthcare, USA Today affiliate North Jersey reported May 13.
The expansion will nearly triple the capacity of the hospital's current ER by renovating a 10,000-square-foot nearby space that houses various outpatient services, the publication reported. The outpatient services will be moved to a different location.
Patients seeking mental health services account for about 55% of Bergen New Bridge's patrons, and it is one of the largest psychiatric facilities in the state, according to North Jersey.
The updated ER will treat mental health patients and have a dedicated area for neurodivergent patients, while the existing 12,000-square-foot ER will treat all other cases, North Jersey said.