Patients move into new Greystone Psychiatric Hospital

State- of-the-art facility offers improved treatment

MORRIS PLAINS – On July 16, patients moved into the new Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide improved, focused treatment to patients.

(Left, staff and patients arrive at the new Greystone and come into the spacious lobby of the main building.)

“It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally here and eager to move forward with the improved treatment regimens this new building will provide to patients,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine, who in June voiced frustration at the delay of the opening.

(Patients walk past the basketball courts. At right is one of the large rooms where psychiatric rehabilitation will occur, providing vocational and occupational training.)

Construction began in November 2005 during the tenure of then Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. Complications in fine-tuning complex computer systems required the opening to be delayed.

(Left, the art therapy room; on the right is a common dining area for patients.)

The $200 million hospital replaces five aging treatment buildings and a 131-year-old administration building. It is a 450-bed facility in a single, self-contained building that includes a treatment mall with over 21 rooms for various activities and a large auditorium. There are also on-site residential cottages that serve 60 additional patients transitioning to more independent, community living.

(Left, Assistant Comissioner Kevin Martone stands outside the entrance of the new Greystone. In the music room, a staff member checks out a guitar while eyeing the drum set.)

“This new, state-of-the-art facility is a powerful symbol of the respect and dignity people deserve who need inpatient care,” Commissioner Jennifer Velez said. “I want to thank all of the people who worked so hard to make this day happen. We appreciate Governor Corzine’s continued commitment and leadership in transforming our mental health system and its facilities such as Greystone.”

(Left, the central courtyard , and at right, the patient library.)

The Commissioner noted that the new hospital was designed utilizing the best-practices in the mental health field. Now patients will be in a single, cohesive and therapeutic setting instead of spread out among many buildings, she added.

"The development and completion of this truly remarkable Greystone facility was made possible under the strong leadership of Governor Corzine and a tremendous amount of teamwork and coordination among state agencies, contractors and hospital staff," said EDA Chief Executive Officer Caren Franzini. "We are proud to have played an important role in making this project happen and creating a modern, safe and secure facility for patients and employees."

The construction project was a four-way partnership involving Department of Human Services and Treasury, the NJ Health Care Facilities Financing Authority (HCFFA), which arranged the financing, and the NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) , which managed the design and construction. The architect for the project was the Vitetta Group of Philadelphia. Torcon Inc. of Red Bank was the builder.

(Assistant Commissioner Kevin Martone greets staff in a hallway; on the right is a typical staff area on a unit.)

“I am proud of the consumers and staff who have been so patient during the construction process. Greystone is ready, willing and able to begin the next phase of its journey. We’re grateful for Governor Corzine’s staunch support in the completion of this state-of-the-art facility,” Division of Mental Health Services Assistant Commissioner Kevin Martone said.

Greystone CEO Janet Monroe said she is grateful for the opportunity to deliver recovery-oriented services in this state of the art facility.

Former Governor Whitman in 2000 ordered that Greystone be closed or “dramatically reconfigured” to better meet modern patient needs.

Upon the opening of the new hospital, the former main building and various other buildings on site become surplus with ownership transferred from DHS to the Department of Treasury. The last phase of the project will involve the demolition of the Ellis buildings and site improvements.

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Nov 1, 2007 State unveils new psychiatric hospital; Greystone Park now a state-of-the-art facility

Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital home page, with links to construction photo stories and directions to the new facility