Friday, September 18, 2015
Inspira Health Network announced plans today to construct a new, state-of-the-art medical center in Gloucester County. A site for the new construction has not been finalized but the network is exploring possible locations, including land next to Rowan University at Exit 50 on Route 55.
“This is exciting news for our physicians, staff, patients and the entire community” said John DiAngelo, President and CEO of Inspira Health Network. “A new, state-of-the-art hospital in our community will allow Inspira to offer an even higher level of quality care with the support of new technologies and services.”
Inspira Medical Center Woodbury will remain open and inpatient hospital services currently offered at the facility will be transitioned to a new site when construction is completed in approximately three years. While a strategic assessment found that renovating the building to enhance current inpatient hospital services was too costly, the health network has plans to grow other programs at the Woodbury location.
“Inspira remains committed to providing care in the City of Woodbury and we will offer services there for years to come,” said DiAngelo. “Inspira Medical Center Woodbury has a long history of serving this community and we intend to continue that tradition.”
“Creating economic engines in two areas of Gloucester County in need of redevelopment helps generate a stronger economy when it is anchored by the dynamics of healthcare,” stated Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney. “Cooperation with the City of Woodbury and Inspira is paramount to everyone’s success and I am encouraged by the progress that the respective leadership is making.”
Inspira is working cooperatively with the City of Woodbury and the County of Gloucester to identify complimentary development alternatives. Inspira projects that there could be up to 500 jobs remaining at the facility after hospital services move to a new site.
The health network has retained an outside consultant to collaborate with the City of Woodbury to identify the opportunities for growth at the Woodbury site. Inspira has also accepted an invitation from the city to participate in the redevelopment planning process for Woodbury.
“We are looking forward to working with the City of Woodbury and the County during this transitional phase and to re-purpose and develop a stronger Woodbury economy for many years to come,” said DiAngelo.
DiAngelo further praised Council President David Trovato and Mayor William Volk for the cooperative spirit and vision to make Woodbury a vibrant community once again.
“Through our strategic study, we are exploring uses for our Woodbury site such as additional outpatient services, emergency room services and administrative office space to support various Inspira departments and functions,” said DiAngelo. “We will work in unison with the City and County Officials on development strategies.”
“We’re extremely pleased Inspira has committed to working with the city within our redevelopment plan area,” stated Dave Trovato, Woodbury Council President. “Over the past few years, our relationship with the hospital has transformed into a true partnership with a common vision of progress. This, along with the Light Rail Line coming to Woodbury in the near future, and our other development successes, bodes well for a bright future for the City. It is our belief that Inspira’s strategic plan will allow for continued growth of new businesses, jobs, and economic vitality in the form of a strong public/private partnership. I am encouraged by Inspira’s new leadership and their renewed sense of community. The hospital’s success is vital to Woodbury’s success which translates into the entire South Jersey region.”
“The hospital has served acute care and emergent needs for decades,” said Woodbury Mayor Bill Volk. “We are proud that the City of Woodbury has a longstanding legacy as a healthcare hub in Gloucester County. Many Gloucester County lives have been saved by its proximity and level of care. In turn, the Woodbury community has supported the hospital and its continued development and looks forward to its continued new form presence as it is essential to the well-being of hundreds of thousands of people. As we move forward, together, it is extremely important to be part of Inspira’s short and long term planning process. I would like to thank their leadership in recognizing Woodbury as a true partner and happy to have their assurances that we will continue to be an integral part of the process.”
The new Inspira medical center in Gloucester County will feature all private patient rooms and a variety of modern amenities. New construction will allow for the expansion of state-of-the-art wireless and digital technologies that will enhance the efficiency and quality of patient care in the region.
Earlier this year, Inspira announced additional plans for growth in Gloucester County through an affiliation with Jefferson Health. The two organizations will collaborate to open a new health center in Gloucester County that will house a comprehensive cancer center, specialty physician offices and a variety of other needed health services. The center will advance care in our region by bringing Jefferson’s expertise into our community, while adding new health care jobs in our region.
Over the last four years, Inspira has also opened four urgent care centers in the county. In the last five years, Inspira has increased the number of Gloucester County residents it employs by more than 675, representing an annual growth rate of 8%.
“Our goal is to continue to grow our services so we can provide the best possible health care and improve the lives of our neighbors in Gloucester County,” said DiAngelo. “I’m excited that these projects will not only help us to accomplish that goal, but will also bring economic growth to both sides of the county and create new skilled professional jobs.”
inspirahealthnetwork.org
