University Hospital Newark: New Jersey's Only Public Hospital
University Hospital in Newark, Essex County, holds a unique distinction in New Jersey: it is the state's only public hospital and the primary teaching hospital for Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Located in the University Heights neighborhood, University Hospital provides critical care, specialized treatment, and primary care services to one of the most medically underserved populations in the state. For many Newark-area residents, University Hospital is not just a preferred facility — it is often their only accessible option for certain types of specialized care.
Getting to and from University Hospital can be difficult for patients who rely on public transportation, have mobility limitations, or are recovering from treatment. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) plays a vital role in helping these patients maintain consistent access to care.
University Hospital as a Level I Trauma Center
University Hospital is designated as a Level I Trauma Center — the highest designation in the trauma care system, meaning it provides comprehensive trauma care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This designation means University Hospital sees a high volume of complex surgical cases, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and traumatic brain injury follow-up — all of which generate significant need for ongoing outpatient NEMT as patients move from inpatient to outpatient recovery.
Patients recovering from traumatic injuries often have complex transportation needs, including wheelchair-accessible transport for patients with new mobility limitations; stretcher transport for patients who cannot sit upright for extended periods; multi-stop trips that include rehabilitation facilities, physicians' offices, and pharmacies; and regular transport for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and follow-up surgical consultations.
Key Departments and Services That Generate NEMT Need
Beyond trauma follow-up, University Hospital houses numerous specialty programs that see patients on a recurring basis:
- Nephrology and Dialysis — University Hospital's nephrology program manages patients with end-stage renal disease who may receive dialysis at the hospital or at affiliated outpatient centers. Dialysis transport in the Newark area is among the highest-volume NEMT use cases in Essex County.
- Cancer Treatment — Oncology patients receive chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy on regular schedules. Post-infusion transport needs are significant: patients are often too fatigued or nauseated to drive after treatment.
- Behavioral Health Services — University Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services. Patients attending outpatient mental health programs benefit greatly from reliable recurring transport.
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine — High-risk pregnant patients with complex medical conditions may need frequent transport to perinatology appointments at University Hospital.
- HIV/AIDS Care — University Hospital's infectious disease clinic is a major provider of HIV care in northern New Jersey, with many patients requiring ongoing outpatient transport.
Nearby Dialysis Centers Serving University Hospital Patients
Not all dialysis patients receive treatment at University Hospital itself. Many are referred to outpatient dialysis centers in Newark and neighboring communities, including DaVita Newark, Fresenius Kidney Care Newark, and United Renal Care facilities in Essex County. NEMT providers who are familiar with the Newark dialysis network can route patients efficiently and accommodate the early morning start times common at these centers. If you receive dialysis in the Newark area, contact Delta Medical Transportation to discuss setting up a recurring transport schedule.
Discharge Planning and Transportation Home from University Hospital
Patients being discharged from University Hospital after surgery, inpatient stays, or emergency treatment need safe, appropriate transportation home. University Hospital's social work and case management teams regularly coordinate with NEMT providers for patient discharges.
Important discharge transport considerations include advance booking (if you know your expected discharge date, try to schedule NEMT 24-48 hours in advance); equipment needs post-discharge (if you are being sent home with a new wheelchair, walker, oxygen, or IV equipment, notify the NEMT provider so the right vehicle is dispatched); discharge timing flexibility (hospital discharges often run late — a good NEMT provider will have a policy for adjusting pickup times if the discharge process is delayed); and Medicaid discharge transport coverage (NJ FamilyCare generally covers discharge transport, so have your Medicaid card available for the social work team to verify coverage before discharge day).
Getting to University Hospital from Around Essex County
University Hospital is located at 150 Bergen Street, Newark. Patients traveling from communities throughout Essex County — including East Orange, Irvington, Bloomfield, Montclair, and Nutley — regularly use NEMT to reach the hospital. For patients using Medicaid-funded transport, you must book through your MCO's transportation line. For patients who are self-pay or covered under other insurance, Delta Medical Transportation serves the Newark and greater Essex County area with punctual, professional service. Reach out today to schedule transport to University Hospital.