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Proposed Main Entrance to the renovated Emergency & Trauma Center at Hackensack University Medical Center

There is always the possibility that a cancer patient you know will need specialized emergency care. Your gift will help make Susan’s Suite at the new Emergency & Trauma Center a reality.

Proposed private treatment room in the renovated Emergency & Trauma Center at Hackensack University Medical Center	Proposed Nurses’ Station in the renovated Emergency & Trauma Center

Hackensack University Medical Center demonstrated its commitment to fighting cancer by recently opening a 155,000 square-foot comprehensive cancer care center that offers an unparalleled patient experience. The John Theurer Cancer Center’s mission is to provide the highest quality cancer care. However, not every cancer patient goes directly to the Cancer Center. At times and for various reasons, the point of entry is the Emergency & Trauma Center (ETC).

As part of the ETC, HacknesackUMC recognized the need for specialized emergency rooms. Current plans include a 23,000 square-foot expansion designed to improve operating efficiency and reduce delays in patient treatment. The renovation, expected to be completed by 2015, will include more operating rooms, as well as new technologies and equipment.

The Emerygency & Trauma Center’s innovative expansion is responsive to the demands of a Level II Trauma Center using a patient-centered model to ensure all aspects of emergency care. The external footprint will include a new building while the internal structure of care also evolves. Semiprivate curtained cubicles will be transformed into private treatment suites. These suites will feature pods offering specific care dedicated to the medical and social needs of cardiac, cancer, geriatric, pediatric trauma and adult trauma patients. The existing Emergency & Trauma Center will almost double in size while the scope of care focuses on the unique needs of each patient.

Pictured here is a glowing Susan swimming on a horse while vacationing in St. Maarten with her family in November of 2010. There was reason to celebrate; Susan had learned she was cancer-free the summer before. Life was truly worth living again. However, all that soon changed the following February when her cervical cancer returned with a vengeance. Unfortunately, even with the best of care, not everyone survives cancer. Susan Zabransky Hughes passed away in July 2011.

The family described the care Susan received at the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center as outstanding. “Everyone, the doctors, the nurses and even the transport people were such caring and competent people.” The Zabransky and Hughes families are committed to creating a lasting memorial for Susan at HackensackUMC in the expanded ETC, Susan’s Suite.  Having a dedicated space and specialized staff will benefit patients with all types of cancer for years to come.