The Hackensack University Medical Center, part of the Hackensack University Health Network, is a nonprofit, teaching and research hospital that has grown to become the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in New Jersey. Serving patients since January, 2011, the new 165,000 square-foot John Theurer Cancer Center facility is home to adult outpatient cancer services with 14 specialized divisions with research and auxiliary oncology services, including nutrition counseling and psychosocial support, together under one roof. The Center would not be possible without the generous $10 million donation by Helena Theurer in memory of her husband John Theurer.

In addition to addressing practical issues like wait time, the new facility offers patients an environment that promotes spiritual as well as physical health. The John Theurer Cancer Center at the Hackensack University Medical Center roof garden is a key component of the hospital?s effort to make the patient experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

Phase I of the project was completed 11/2010. R&S Landscaping installed drought-tolerant GreenGrid green roof modules, decorative planters, shrubs, and sitting areas. Phase II was competed 5/2011 and included the installation of a demonstration vegetable garden that provides patients with easy access to the outdoors, a place to sit among greenery, and the chance to learn about growing healthy foods.

Additionally, the Hackensack University Medical Center garden provides a space for visiting families and friends to spend time while their loved ones are receiving treatment. Outdoor green spaces improve emotional well being and ease stress. The roof garden provides not only a functional outdoor environment, but also beautiful views from indoors. In addition to helping patients, the green roof provides economic and environmental benefits that support a healthier community.

Acting as exterior insulation, the green roof significantly reduces heat gain and loss, resulting in lower energy output for heating and cooling and thereby reducing harmful emissions. Green roofs provide further air quality benefits by filtering air that moves across it and absorbing carbon dioxide. The green roof substrate also retains water – up to 90 percent of summertime precipitation and 40 percent of wintertime precipitation – greatly reducing storm water runoff.

In addition to the walk-through roof terrace garden at the second floor, tranquility/meditation rooms and fitness center are available to help patients and caregivers relax and rejuvenate. And the four-story lobby atrium boasts a 200-piece work of art featuring a flight of soaring indigo, aqua, and lime green hand blown Murano glass birds and a 40′ high hydroponic living wall with over 30 plant species accompanied by a 24′ waterfall. In 2001, Hackensack University Medical Center was the first hospital in the nation to adopt completely green cleaning practices.