Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center celebrated the opening of its Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment Center on January 14th. The $2.2 million, approximately 10,000 square foot combined medical office and treatment center is home to specialists in several neurological diseases and conditions. Part of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Neuroscience Laboratory.
Neuroscience Outpatient Services is now integrated into the campus of the Academic Medical Center with a treatment center at the Amdul Pavilion and a Neurosurgery office at the nearby HOPE Tower.
The Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment Center was founded in 2015 thanks to a generous donation from the Golden Dome Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Middletown, New Jersey. Named to commemorate the support of The late Dr. Robert H. Harris and his wife (the organization’s current president) Mary Ellen for his charitable support by Harris. Over the years, the Golden Dome Foundation has made significant investments in Hackensack’s Meridian Health medical centers such as Bayshore Medical Center and Ocean University Medical Center, in addition to the Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
“My husband has dedicated his life to advancing research to improve the quality of life for people facing illness and disability,” says Mary Ellen Harris. “Giving this gift and extending his legacy through the naming of this new center is a continuation of his life’s work. I am honored to be able to play a role in making it possible to provide
Patients can visit the center’s doctors and other health care providers for advanced diagnostic tests and treatment for a variety of conditions. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and other neuromuscular disorders; Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia and other movement disorders; neuro-oncology including treatment of brain and spine tumors. epilepsy and seizure disorders; headache and migraine and stroke prevention.
“Demand for neurology services in New Jersey is expected to grow by more than 12 percent over the next decade, and neurologist visits per 1,000 population in the Monmouth/Ocean area are expected to increase by 1,000,000 per 1,000 population, according to health care utilization projections. Alan Colicchio, MD, Dean of Neurology, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and Medical Director, Neuroscience Care Transformation Service, Hackensack Meridian Health, Southern Market. We have expanded our comprehensive and nationally recognized neurological care services by recruiting 19 leading neuroscience experts from state and nationally,” Dr. Colicchio added.
“Today, with over 50 neurologists, our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to treating complex diseases and optimizing functional outcomes so patients can live full and satisfying lives. We are collaborating with Shore University Medical Center.
The Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment Center also serves as a gateway for patients to access the full array of academic medical center neurological services. Vito Buccellato, president and chief hospital officer of Jersey Shore University Medical Center, his MPA, LNHA, said: “The new center was specifically designed to integrate services in a centralized location, making it more convenient and highly accessible for patients and their loved ones.”
Services of the Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center include:
- ALS center
- MS Center
- Stroke Center and Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit
- Center for Memory and Healthy Aging, Led by a Director of Neuropsychology and a Geriatric Psychiatrist
- Comprehensive epilepsy center for adults and children
- sleep medicine program
- Concussion Program for Adults and Children
- Pediatric Neurology Program
- Paralysis and Reconstructive Neurosurgery Center
- Apical Skull Base Surgery Center
- Craniofacial Center accredited as an American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association (ACPA) Accredited Team
- movement disorders program
- headache migraine center
- Neuro-Oncology Program
- General Neurosurgery Program Including Spine Surgery
Academic Medical Centers provide patients with cutting-edge neurological techniques, procedures, treatments, and expertise not available in most New Jersey hospitals. The ALS Center is one of only two ALS Association Accredited Treatment Centers in the state. The MS Center is one of two centers designated as Comprehensive MS Care Centers by the National Multiple Sclerosis Association. Patients come to the Jersey Shore from all over the country and the world in search of breakthrough surgery to repair damaged phrenic nerves. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the only comprehensive stroke center in Monmouth and Ocean counties to be jointly commission-accredited and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health. Using state-of-the-art deep brain stimulation (DBS) to help patients with movement disorders gain better control over their movements. We also precisely resect cancerous brain tumors using expert minimally invasive MRI-guided laser ablation procedures.
Kenneth N. Sable, M.B.A., FACEP, Regional President, Southern Markets, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Equipped with expert providers, the latest technology and unique care services, Jersey Shore has become a true hub for advanced neurological care, providing access to nearby hospitals and complexes requiring specialized care. It has been an asset to primary care physician patients with critical medical conditions.”
Jersey Shore University Medical Center recognized by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care, 2021-2023 Neuroscience Excellence Awards, 2022 and 2023 Cranial Neurosurgery Excellence Awards has been awarded.
For more information or to book a treatment center, please call (732) 897-3600. For more information on all neuroscience services, please visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Neurosciences.
