By Dhiren Shah
A memorable event took place on April 18, 2023, to mark the opening of the New State of the Art Glass Lobby at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, NJ.
Francis J. Giantomasi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, said that Beth Israel Hospital is the best kept secret in Newark. It is a vibrant hospital with a facility compared to major hospitals in the country, which was echoed by a few of the speakers at the opening of the new lobby with their $150 million dollar project.
The lobby is 17,500 square ft. wide, and it is a glass-enclosed space right at one of the main junctions of Newark in the South Ward. When their patients, doctors and staff come in the building, it will feel different, and I think that will improve their experiences the hospital. This part of the hospital will be Newark Beth Israel Children’s Hospital, which is necessary for the largest city (population wise) in the state of New Jersey.
Two years ago, “Local Talk” covered the groundbreaking of this project. And now, what a difference. When you enter the facility, you feel like you are coming into one of the most advanced health facilities. However, I have not taken the tour they have offered for the whole facility.
Darrell K. Terry, Sr. gave all the credit to the entire team working for this project, including the RWJ Saint Barnabas group. He said that the project was “NEWARK STRONG.” Also, he talked about generation of his family coming to Newark Beth Israel and their roots of Newark. Terry said, “My son’s son was born here on March 26th – Darryl K. Terry the 3rd.”
Atiya Jaha Rashidi, Chief Equity Officer, VP of Community Relations, said that this new building is a hope for a hospital to serve all the communities. She said, “My grandmother worked here at Beth. She worked for 50 years with RWJ Barnabas. So, I always call RWJ Barnabas my home.”
Newark Mayor Baraka also talked about the dedication of the Newark Beth Israel and it being a real anchor institution in the South Ward.
One problem maybe parking and traffic in the area. I suggest that they should have a remote parking lot and shuttle service, which might reduce the traffic, as people can drop off the patients of the hospital and park at a distance and come by FREE shuttle service provided by Beth Israel Hospital.
The message of “Newark Strong” spreads all over and brings the attention of patients and visitors.
Mark Manigan, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, Lester Owens, Chair Board of Trustees for RWJBarnabas Health and many supporters and guests were present to be part of this great starting of new beginning. There were performances by the NJPAC Arts Education Class.
