Breaking through to the future: Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center starts work on massive upgrade to surgical services

Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center in Summit is underway with construction on the John E. Reeves Center for Advanced Surgery, a $70 million expansion that marks the hospital's largest investment in its surgical infrastructure in nearly half a century. The project, which recently broke ground with a ceremonial wall-breaking event, signals a significant institutional commitment to advanced surgical care across Union County.

The expansion responds to documented demand. Surgical volume at Overlook has increased 22 percent from 2021 to 2025, while robotic surgery cases have grown 132 percent over that same window. Current projections show surgical volume rising from more than 18,000 cases annually to more than 24,000 within a decade, according to hospital leadership. Stephanie Schwartz, president of Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center and senior vice president of Atlantic Health, emphasized the scale of the need: "This is the time to expand our surgical environment and prepare Atlantic Health Overlook for the next era of exceptional care."

The physical footprint of the surgical department will grow measurably. The project will increase operating rooms from 20 to 26, with main operating room suites expanding from 12 to 18. The center will include a new 50-bay pre-operative and post-operative care unit with 24 private recovery bays. Six of the operating rooms will be fully integrated for robotic surgery, intraoperative imaging, and minimally invasive procedures, allowing surgeons to employ the most advanced techniques available. Beyond the ORs themselves, the project includes substantial infrastructure upgrades to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical systems, lighting, and infection control throughout the surgical area.

Construction will proceed in phases over 3 to 4 years, allowing the hospital to maintain continuous surgical services during the build-out. The planning process took shape over several years. In 2023, the surgical team, working alongside engineers and architects, created mockups and walkthroughs in the hospital's Bouras Auditorium to ensure the design met clinical and operational needs. Muhammad Feteiha, MD, chairman of the department of surgery, and Jillian Carratala, RN, director of nursing for surgical services, led that collaborative approach.

Funding comes primarily through donor support managed by the Overlook Foundation, particularly through the Reeves Foundation, whose namesakes Ed and Christy Reeves attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

For more information about surgical services and specialty care at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center, visit the hospital's website or call 908-522-2000. Explore Summit healthcare, institutional news, and local community coverage on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Atlantic Health

FAQ

Q: Why is Overlook expanding its surgical department now?
A: Surgical volume at Overlook has grown 22 percent from 2021 to 2025, and robotic surgery cases have grown 132 percent in that timeframe. The hospital projects surgical volume will increase from 18,000 cases annually to 24,000 within 10 years, requiring more capacity and advanced facilities.

Q: How many operating rooms will the expansion add?
A: The project will increase operating rooms from 20 to 26, with main OR suites expanding from 12 to 18. Six of the new operating rooms will be equipped specifically for robotic surgery, intraoperative imaging, and minimally invasive procedures.

Q: How long will construction take?
A: Construction will occur in phases over 3 to 4 years. The hospital will maintain full surgical operations throughout the build-out, so patients should experience no interruption in services.

Q: What else is included in the $70 million project?
A: Beyond the new and renovated operating rooms, the expansion includes a new 50-bay pre-operative and post-operative care unit with 24 private recovery bays, plus major infrastructure upgrades to HVAC, electrical, lighting, and infection control systems.

Q: Where can I find more information about surgical services at Overlook?
A: Call Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center at 908-522-2000 or visit their website. Union County Life covers healthcare, institutional news, and community developments in Summit and across Union County.