Ocean Medical Center marks milestone

As the nation celebrated the 233rd anniversary of our independence on July 4, so too did our community celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening and dedication of Ocean Medical Center, formerly known as Brick Hospital. Starting as an idea in the '60s, the grass-roots effort gained momentum until its fruition on July 4, 1984. As noted by John Paul Doyle, then Assembly majority leader, "Today in Brick Township, a hospital is born."

The needs of the community increased with the dramatic population explosion in Monmouth but especially Ocean County, which alone stands at over 569,000 residents today. In the 25- year span, changes were seen as follows at the medical center:

• Beds from 120 to 321

• Physicians from 200 to 519

• Employees from 400 to 1,400

• Admissions from 3,600 to 14,900

• Emergency department visits from 17,000 to 63,000

As members of the medical center's Community Advisory Committee — a group of citizens who maintain open dialogue with the hospital administrators and share information about community health needs and concerns — we take great pride in what Ocean Medical Center has become. It is a place where a personal level of care is blended with the highest regard for quality and safety. In fact, the medical center is No. 1 in Ocean County for overall quality results and for the treatment of heart attacks, congestive heart failure and surgical care improvement. And the nurses have earned Magnet accreditation, a national rating for their excellence in nursing care.

Services now offered at the medical center surely have exceeded the founders' expectations. Cancer and cardiac care, acute care of the elderly unit, the Women's Imaging Pavilion, Pharmacology Institute, rehabilitation and fitness programs, vascular and minimally invasive surgical procedures are just a few of the amazing resources that are now part of Ocean medical Center.

With an eye for the ensuing years, Ocean Medical Center is continually updating its structure and the services offered. And as part of Meridian Health, plans are in the works to merge with Southern Ocean Community Hospital. The leaders of the medical center were visionary at the onset, and continue to evolve as the community needs grow and change.

For 25 years, Ocean Medical Center has subscribed to its stated mission of compassion, quality and community, thanks to all who have helped make the hospital what it is today. Happy anniversary, Ocean Medical Center!
Norma Pols
Chairperson
Community Advisory
Committee
Ocean Medical Center
Brick