Officials gather to announce federal funding for Virtua’s new state-of-the-art campus

New hospital receives $200k boost in federal funding for newborn care

VOORHEES, NJ – Today, Congressman Andrews joined Richard P. Miller, President & CEO of Virtua at the site of a remarkable new addition to South Jersey’s renowned health care network that will modernize and advance our region’s already impressive medical services. Rep. Andrews, Mr. Miller, and state and local officials gathered at the construction site of Virtua’s new state-of-the-art regional hospital and ambulatory center located in Voorhees Township to showcase the facility’s progress as well as announce the recent installment of nearly $200,000 in new federal funding for the project.
 
Appropriated under the Omnibus Appropriations Act, which was signed into law in March, this federal appropriation will help the regional health care system enhance its impressive Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The funding will enable Virtua to obtain cutting-edge medical equipment and significantly reduce the capital expenditures associated with Voorhees’ new NICU facility, which will be a key component of Virtua’s new $463 million regional healthcare campus. Specifically, this boost in federal funding will allow Virtua to purchase a number of Giraffe Omnibeds, which are equipped to house the most premature babies. At approximately $35,000 apiece, these highly advanced beds are vital to maximizing infant development by regulating lighting and temperature, as well as elevating and rotating the infant without disruption. Additionally, the Giraffe Omnibeds allow the parents to be involved with care along with the clinical care giver while maintaining the proper environment for optimal care. As South Jersey’s leading maternal child health facility, Virtua delivered more than 7,600 babies last year alone and continues to provide state-of-the-art care for newborns with special needs, such as those born premature, in multiples, or with difficulty breathing.
 
“This federal funding will provide thousands of families with the latest technology in neonatal care, helping newborns overcome challenges at birth and progress more quickly toward healthy living, without straining the hospital’s already overstretched budget,” said Congressman Andrews.
“Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez should be applauded for their efforts to help fund this project and for their dedication to patent care. New Jersey is known for some of the finest medical intuitions in America and our Senators continue to work to ensure that the people of New Jersey continue to receive the best possible care available.” 
 
“We are so appreciate of the efforts of our legislators for their ongoing support,” said Richard P. Miller, Virtua President and CEO.  “Virtua's plan for its new hospital is to create a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment that promotes positive human interaction, provides personalized service and enhances healing through the use of light, space, and the application of advanced technology. It's the marriage of sophisticated, advanced medicine with a healing environment.  This funding will certainly help towards this endeavor.”
 
Sen. Lautenberg stated, “These tough economic times are straining the budgets of our hospitals and health care centers, so it’s critical we provide resources to help our children live long, healthy lives. With these funds, we’ve accomplished that goal – and provided the cutting-edge technology that can save the lives of more and more babies. New Jersey has always been a leader in scientific innovation, and these funds will help us continue that tradition.”
 
“Modernizing our hospitals and providing state-of-the art medical technology contributes to the health and vitality of our families and to our economic recovery,” said Sen. Menendez. “These funds will bring the latest advances in maternal health to the Southern New Jersey region and ultimately save lives.  After visiting Virtua's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and seeing first-hand the real difference it makes in the lives of New Jersey families, I am proud to have helped deliver federal funding for this project."
 
Virtua’s new Voorhees campus, which is slated to open in 2011, has already created a demand for nearly 3,000 construction jobs and the project will pave the way for approximately 1,750 new permanent Virtua jobs. Additionally, the facility will generate fresh opportunities for the surrounding businesses as a new wave of professionals work and reinvest in the community.

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