Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) stands as a cornerstone of healthcare in the Mid-Atlantic region. Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, it serves as the flagship facility of RWJBarnabas Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States. As a non-profit, public research and academic teaching hospital, RWJUH provides essential tertiary care—specialized consultative care usually on referral from primary or secondary medical practitioners—to patients across Central New Jersey and beyond.
Key Facts
- Affiliation: Primary teaching hospital for Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University.
- Trauma Status: Operates a Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center.
- Capacity: Total system capacity includes 965 beds across main facilities.
- Specialization: Home to the Laurie Proton Therapy Center and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital.
- Network: Part of the RWJBarnabas Health system following a 2016 merger.
A Legacy of Growth and Evolution
The institution's history began in 1884 as the New Brunswick City Hospital. By 1889, it was renamed the John Wells Memorial Hospital, following a donation from Grace Tileston Wells in honor of her husband. The facility expanded in 1916 and became the Middlesex General Hospital to meet the needs of a growing population.
A pivotal expansion occurred in 1958, introducing New Jersey's first vascular lab, an intensive care unit, and a cardiopulmonary lab. This era also saw the birth of the Department of Clinical Research and the hospital auxiliary. In 1986, the hospital was renamed in honor of Robert Wood Johnson II, the former president and chairman of Johnson & Johnson.
The modern era of the hospital has been defined by strategic mergers. In 2014, RWJUH merged with Somerset Medical Center. This was followed by a landmark agreement in 2015 between Barnabas Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Health System, which officially formed RWJBarnabas Health on March 30, 2016.
Advanced Specialized Care
The Laurie Proton Therapy Center
Opened in 2015, the Laurie Proton Therapy Center utilizes the MEVION S250 Proton Therapy System. Unlike conventional radiation, proton therapy uses a beam of protons aimed directly at tumors, which minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue and allows for higher radiation doses with fewer side effects. This center treats various cancers, including prostate, breast, lung, brain, and pancreatic cancers, in partnership with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ).
Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital (BMSCH) is a freestanding 105-bed acute care facility. It provides comprehensive specialty care for patients from birth to age 21. Notably, it features a Level I pediatric trauma center and regional neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
To further its mission of becoming a top 10 cancer hospital, RWJBarnabas announced plans in 2019 for a new $750 million, 12-story cancer hospital. This facility is designed to include 96 inpatient beds and numerous outpatient treatment bays, expanding the capabilities of the existing Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
Regional Facilities and Infrastructure
Beyond the main New Brunswick campus, the system includes Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, a 297-bed regional center featuring the Steeplechase Cancer Center. Other regional facilities include hospitals in Hamilton and Rahway.
The New Brunswick campus is equipped for critical emergencies, featuring a concrete helipad (FAA LID: 9NJ4) measuring 50 x 50 feet to facilitate rapid patient transport.
Hospital Overview and Rankings
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit, Public, Teaching Hospital |
| Total Beds | 965 |
| Trauma Level | Level I (Adult & Pediatric) |
| University Affiliate | Rutgers University (RWJ Medical School) |
| Key Centers | Laurie Proton Therapy, BMSCH, CINJ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level I Trauma Center?
A Level I Trauma Center is the highest designation of trauma care, providing comprehensive emergency care for every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehabilitation, with 24-hour in-house coverage by specialists.
What makes proton therapy different from traditional radiation?
Proton therapy uses protons rather than X-rays. This allows doctors to target tumors more precisely, reducing the amount of radiation delivered to the surrounding healthy tissue and typically resulting in milder side effects.
Who is eligible for care at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital?
The hospital provides comprehensive pediatric specialties and subspecialties to infants, children, teens, and young adults from age 0 to 21.
How is the hospital affiliated with Rutgers University?
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital serves as a primary teaching hospital for the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers University, integrating clinical care with medical education and research.
What is the relationship between RWJUH and RWJBarnabas Health?
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is the flagship hospital of the RWJBarnabas Health system, which was formed through the 2016 merger of Barnabas Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Health System.