New Jersey’s first and only freestanding cancer hospital is cornerstone of $1.5 billion statewide oncology investment.
RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, have proudly unveiled New Jersey’s first and only freestanding, fully comprehensive cancer hospital. Designed by HOK, the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in New Brunswick is one of only 13 freestanding cancer hospitals in the United States.
The 12-story, 520,000-sq.-ft. facility, connects via skybridge to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers Cancer Institute and houses under one roof inpatient and outpatient cancer services coupled with cutting-edge research laboratories. Designed with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care, the Morris Cancer Center creates an exceptional experience to enhance healing and recovery.
“HOK feels a profound sense of fulfillment in helping to bring The Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center to life,” said John MacCallum, senior project designer for HOK. “This project is particularly meaningful, as it strikes the delicate balance between the needs of the community and the demands of a groundbreaking medical facility, between technical excellence and human compassion.”
The Morris Cancer Center features 96 inpatient beds; a dedicated floor for surgical and procedure rooms; a vibrant, “Jersey Shore”-themed clinical space for pediatric patients; advanced radiation oncology and diagnostics; on-site pharmacy; and state-of-the-art laboratories to support 10 independent research teams. It also includes 88 infusion bays and 80 exam rooms for adult and pediatric outpatient care and the infrastructure to enhance the development and deployment of the latest innovative clinical trials.
“While New Jersey has long been a nationwide leader in the delivery of outstanding, world-class cancer care, patients in the region have previously needed to visit nearby New York or Philadelphia to access comprehensive inpatient cancer treatment,” said Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, the William N. Hait director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and senior vice president of Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health. “With the opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute will offer expanded specialized services including the latest technology, innovative clinical trials, cellular therapies and sophisticated radiation therapy techniques close to home.”
The comprehensive center also includes supportive patient amenities to promote whole-body healing, such as massage and exercise therapy, a restorative, calming wellness garden and carefully curated artwork created by local artists.