Newton Memorial Hospital recently announced plans to open a 40,000-square-foot health and wellness center in Hardyston to give residents of northern Sussex County improved access to the full array of healthcare services all under one roof in a state-of-the-art setting. Pictured from left to right are Sean O’Rourke, NMH Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, state Sen. Steven V. Oroho, R-24, Andrew Mulvihill, Principal, Crystal Springs Companies, Robert E. McCracken, Board Chairman, North Jersey Health Care Corporation, Tom Senker, NMH President and Chief Executive Officer and Board member Philip Deacon, who played an instrumental role in completing a land deal between the Hospital and Crystal Springs.

The Newton Memorial Hospital health & wellness center represents the Hospital’s latest effort to expand access to medical care for residents of Sussex County, and grow its regional presence as a premiere community provider of healthcare services. The Hospital opened similar facilities in Sparta in 1997 and Milford, PA in 2001.

“Newton Memorial Hospital has provided exceptional care and service to Sussex County residents since it first opened its doors in 1932,” said Robert E. McCracken, Board Chairman of North Jersey Health Care Corporation, the Hospital’s parent company. “Over the years, we have grown our services as well as our service area. Today, we’re proud to say we’re bringing quality care to the residents of northern Sussex County.”

Northern Sussex County represents 24 percent of the county census, and is projected to grow by 23 percent by 2015, according to Newton Memorial Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sean O’Rourke.

The Hospital also plans to relocate Vernon Urgent Care to the Hardyston location. Urgent Care facilities such as the one the Hospital operates in Milford give patients emergent access to physicians who are Board Certified in Emergency Medicine as well as the latest technology to diagnose and treat. The facility will include office space for Newton Memorial’s highly regarded medical staff, including general practice physicians and a wide array of subspecialists. Collectively, this will mean patients will have easier access to a broader range of medical care and treatment.

The site will be located near the entrance of Crystal Springs Resort and be a key component of the resort’s grander vision to create a rural-themed commercial district, which will include specialty shops for homemade cheeses, chocolates, ice cream as well as a brew pub and the Hospital’s wellness center.

“Today is a great day for Newton Memorial Hospital and Crystal Springs, but, far more importantly, it’s a great day for the 27,000 or so residents who live in northern Sussex County,” Newton Memorial Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Senker said. “This facility will create a much needed healthcare access point for our patients. It also will give residents of northern Sussex convenient access to Newton Memorial’s highly skilled and specialized medical staff, vital diagnostics, urgent care medicine, lab and X-ray, and comprehensive cancer services all under one roof in a state-of-the-art setting.”

Crystal Springs and Newton Memorial said that both projects will create new job opportunities not only during planning and construction but also once the facilities open for business.