RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers Cancer Institute Celebrate Opening of New Jersey’s First and Only Freestanding Cancer Hospital

The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center is the cornerstone of a $1.5 billion statewide oncology investment

RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, have proudly 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, connected by a skybridge to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers Cancer Institute, brings together inpatient and outpatient cancer services coupled with cutting-edge research laboratories all under one roof and delivered in an environment focused on compassionate, patient-centered care. Designed with the patient at the center, the Morris Cancer Center creates an exceptional patient experience to enhance healing and recovery.  

“Today is a historic day for our health system, the State of New Jersey, and beyond, as we cut the ribbon on the state’s first and only freestanding cancer hospital, and one of only 13 in the country. This hospital is true to our mission of building and sustaining a healthier New Jersey. It is further evidence of RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to taking care of the communities we serve and providing patients the most advanced care possible, close to home,” said Mark E. Manigan, president and chief executive officer for RWJBarnabas Health. “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 that we are making across the Garden State. Together, we are providing patients with access to an unparalleled network of talented physicians, advanced treatment options and patient-centered services that are transforming the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in New Jersey and beyond.”

With the opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute will offer expanded specialized services, including the latest technology, innovative clinical trials, cellular therapies and sophisticated radiation therapy techniques close to home.

Steven K. Libutti

William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior Vice President of Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health

“While New Jersey has long been a nationwide leader in the delivery of outstanding, world-class cancer care, patients in the region have previously needed to visit nearby New York or Philadelphia to access comprehensive inpatient cancer treatment,” said Steven K. Libutti, William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and senior vice president of oncology services, RWJBarnabas Health. “With the opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute will offer expanded specialized services, including the latest technology, innovative clinical trials, cellular therapies and sophisticated radiation therapy techniques close to home.”  

The Morris Cancer Center features 96 inpatient beds, a dedicated floor for surgical and procedure rooms, a  Jersey Shore–themed clinical space for pediatric patients, advanced radiation oncology and diagnostics, on-site pharmacy and state-of-the-art laboratories to support 10 independent research teams. The center includes 88 infusion bays and 80 exam rooms for adult and pediatric outpatient care and the infrastructure to enhance the development and deployment of the latest innovative clinical trials.

We are providing patients with access to an unparalleled network of talented physicians, advanced treatment options and patient-centered services that are transforming the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in New Jersey and beyond.

Mark E. Manigan

President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health

“The opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center marks another significant advancement in our ability to deliver world-class cancer care. As the first and only freestanding cancer hospital in New Jersey, 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 commitment to leading in innovation and discovery within the health care field,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “This partnership between RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute will support patients, accelerate breakthroughs and save lives across the Garden State, making a true difference in our collective fight against cancer."

The new hospital is named in recognition of the philanthropic efforts of Jack Morris, a longtime supporter of community development in New Brunswick, and his wife, Sheryl.

“Cancer is a journey no one should face alone – or far from home. I’ve long been driven by a deep commitment to support individuals during the most challenging moments of their lives,” said Jack Morris. “It is an honor to be a part of a center that is truly transforming lives.”

The comprehensive center also includes supportive patient amenities to promote whole-body healing, such as massage and exercise therapy, a restorative, calming wellness garden and carefully curated artwork created by local New Jersey artists.

Cancer is a journey no one should face alone – or far from home. I’ve long been driven by a deep commitment to support individuals during the most challenging moments of their lives.

Jack Morris

“The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center embodies Rutgers University's unwavering commitment to fight cancer until it is defeated – for good,” said Jonathan Holloway, president of Rutgers. “I am excited for the future of cancer care and bench-to-bedside advances that will emerge from this vital center, leading to new treatments, redefined understanding and ultimately, lives saved.”

The Morris Cancer Center is the cornerstone of the transformative investment in and expansion of cancer services by RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute. Also under construction are the Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, which will open in the fall and serve as the northern hub for RWJBarnabas Health’s and Rutgers Cancer Institute’s statewide oncology services, and the Specialty and Cancer Care Center at the Vogel Medical Campus in Tinton Falls, scheduled to open next year. Both facilities will offer a comprehensive array of diagnosis and treatment options in an outpatient setting.

The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center was developed in partnership with the New Brunswick Development Corporation, Middlesex County and the city of New Brunswick.