The basics:

• Virtua unveils $500M expansion at Our Lady of Lourdes in Camden
• New six-story pavilion to add 200,000 square feet, 78 private rooms
• Facility to support advanced surgical, cardiac and neuro care
• Marvin Samson Pavilion set to open in late 2027

During a 75th anniversary celebration in Camden May 28, Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital set the course for its next era – unveiling plans for a $500 million renovation and expansion.

The hospital opened its doors May 28, 1950. In the process, it became a Camden landmark, community partner and mainstay of compassionate care; reflecting its Catholic roots and ongoing connection to the Diocese of Camden to support the hospital’s altruistic foundation. Since its debut, the hospital has welcomed people of all backgrounds and religions. Virtua Health acquired Lourdes Health System in 2019 and renamed the hospital Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

Named in honor of Marvin Samson, the new patient care pavilion will stand six stories. The philanthropist’s foundation has pledged $5 million – the largest gift in Virtua’s history – to support education and workforce development programs at the health system.

Virtua made the announcement during the Wednesday ceremony. The event drew more than 200 attendees, including hospital leaders, patients, supporters and key stakeholders. Newly appointed head of the Diocese of Camden Bishop Joseph Andrew Williams led a ground-blessing prayer.

Key details about the Marvin Samson Pavilion:

• Nearly 200,000-square-foot, six-story addition will increase the hospital size by 35%
• Will attach to the existing hospital at Haddon and Euclid Avenues to support complex services centralized within the hospital, such as advanced cardiovascular care, organ transplantation, and a neurosciences program in partnership with Penn Medicine
• Will include:
  • • 78 private patient rooms
    • 10 operating rooms
    • Four cardiac catheterization labs
    • Three electrophysiology labs
    • Two GI endoscopy rooms
    • 40 surgical prep and recovery rooms
    • A neuro-surgical stroke intervention suite
    • A centralized post-anesthesia care unit, and more
• Expected to welcome patients at the end of 2027
• Part of Virtua’s organization-wide strategy to enhance the region’s well-being, Advancing Well into the Future
• Additional renovations and updates of the hospital’s existing facilities are also underway

Virtua Health provided drone video footage of construction:

Virtua President and CEO Dennis Pullin stressed that the creation of the Marvin Samson Pavilion is a key element of Virtua’s ongoing investment in the well-being of this community.

“And equally important, the new pavilion affirms our commitment to providing advanced, accessible care to the region and beyond,” said Pullin.

“This state-of-the-art addition will be transformative,” said Lisa Ferraro, senior vice president of Virtua Health and president of Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. “It will provide all private rooms, advanced surgical facilities, dedicated spaces for specialized care, and areas for reflection and remembrance. It will also create the hospital’s new front door – and a stunning, welcoming lobby.”

Samson is also a Virtua board member and longtime supporter. The son of immigrants said he was raised to believe that each of us has an obligation to make the world a better place.

“I am excited that we are expanding Virtua’s ability to impact the quality of life for members of this community,” he said.