A Historic First for New Jersey RWJBarnabas
RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute Unveil New Jersey’s First Freestanding Comprehensive Cancer Hospital
RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—have unveiled New Jersey’s first and only freestanding, fully comprehensive cancer hospital.
The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in New Brunswick is one of only 13 freestanding cancer hospitals in the United States. The 12-story, 520,000-square-foot facility delivers both inpatient and outpatient cancer services alongside cutting-edge research laboratories—all under one roof and designed to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
“Today is a historic day for our health system, the State of New Jersey, and beyond,” said Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJBarnabas Health. “This hospital is true to our mission of building and sustaining a healthier New Jersey. It further demonstrates RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to caring for the communities we serve and providing patients with the most advanced care possible—close to home. I am proud to say that RWJBarnabas Health, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, is advancing a bold vision: to beat cancer together. This incredible facility is the cornerstone of a $1.5 billion investment in cancer services across the Garden State. Together, we are giving patients access to an unparalleled network of expert physicians, advanced treatment options, and patient-centered services that are transforming cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.”
“While New Jersey has long been a nationwide leader in delivering world-class cancer care, patients in the region have previously had to travel to New York or Philadelphia to access comprehensive inpatient treatment,” said Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior Vice President of Oncology Services at RWJBarnabas Health. “With the opening of the Morris Cancer Center, we can now offer expanded specialized services—including the latest technology, innovative clinical trials, cellular therapies, and sophisticated radiation techniques—right here in New Jersey.”
Highlights of the Morris Cancer Center include:
- 96 inpatient beds
- A dedicated floor for surgical and procedure rooms
- A vibrant, “Jersey Shore”-themed pediatric space
- Advanced radiation oncology and diagnostics
- State-of-the-art research laboratories
- 88 infusion bays and 80 exam rooms for both adult and pediatric patients
- Infrastructure to support the development of cutting-edge clinical trials
“The opening of the Morris Cancer Center marks another significant advancement in our ability to deliver world-class cancer care,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This center represents a powerful investment in the health and well-being of our neighbors who are battling cancer. It also underscores our state’s leadership in innovation and discovery in the healthcare field.”
The hospital is named in honor of Jack and Sheryl Morris, in recognition of their longstanding philanthropic commitment to the New Brunswick community.
“Cancer is a journey no one should face alone—or far from home,” said Jack Morris. “I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to support people during the most challenging moments of their lives. It’s an honor to be part of a center that is truly transforming lives.”
The Morris Cancer Center is the centerpiece of RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute’s multi-year, $1.5 billion investment in cancer care. Also underway are the Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, scheduled to open this fall, and the Specialty and Cancer Care Center at the Vogel Medical Campus in Tinton Falls, expected to open next year.
