Suburban Hospital: Advancing Community Health in Bethesda
Redefining regional care through innovation, clinical excellence, and community partnership since 1943.
Suburban Hospital stands at the forefront of clinical care and medical innovation in Bethesda, Maryland. As a community-based, not-for-profit hospital and a proud member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Suburban Hospital has served Montgomery County and the surrounding Washington, D.C. area since 1943, prioritizing responsive health solutions, advanced trauma services, and ongoing campus enhancements for future generations.
About Suburban Hospital
Located at 8600 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda, Suburban Hospital distinguishes itself as:
- The designated Level II Trauma Center for Montgomery County, delivering expert care to critically injured adults and providing life-saving intervention in emergencies.
- A not-for-profit institution dedicated to the region’s evolving healthcare needs, ensuring equitable access to comprehensive services.
- A core component of Johns Hopkins Medicine, partnered with clinicians and researchers at one of the world’s foremost academic medical systems.
- Fully accredited by The Joint Commission, with a proven record in patient safety, specialty care, and continuous improvement.
History and Evolution
Since opening in December 1943 to serve the surging World War II military and civilian population, Suburban Hospital’s focus has never wavered from serving the community with excellence.
- Seamlessly transitioned from a government-constructed, 130-bed cottage-style facility to a thriving, locally governed hospital owned by the community since 1950.
- Met the challenge of population growth and capacity needs by expanding physical space on campus, with major upgrades planned in each subsequent decade.
- Joined Johns Hopkins Medicine in 2009, cementing its role as a leader in regional care and medical education.
Key Historical Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1943 | Opened as 130-bed hospital serving WWII-era Montgomery County |
| 1950 | Community purchase of facility from federal government |
| 1979 | Last major campus renovation before the 21st century |
| 2009 | Became a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine |
Specialties and Clinical Excellence
Suburban Hospital delivers a broad spectrum of advanced medical services, supported by cutting-edge technology and evidence-based care. Areas of distinction include:
- Trauma and Emergency Care: Designated regional Level II Trauma Center, providing rapid, multidisciplinary response to critical injuries.
- Surgery: Comprehensive surgical offerings, including general, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and minimally invasive procedures.
- Orthopedics: Diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, joint replacement, and rehabilitation.
- Cardiology: Full-service heart care, from diagnostics to interventional cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation.
- Neurology: Advanced care for neurological disorders, including stroke care and neurocritical services.
- Oncology: State-of-the-art cancer diagnosis and treatment, including collaboration with regional cancer centers.
- Additional Clinical Services: Endocrinology, primary care, rehabilitation, wound management, radiology, and laboratory services.
Campus Enhancement and Major Upgrades
Continuing its legacy of growth, Suburban Hospital is currently undertaking the largest enhancements to its campus in more than 30 years, focused on improving capacity, privacy, and patient experience. Hallmarks of the modernization initiative:
- New Building Addition: Nearly 300,000 square feet spanning four stories, incorporating private patient rooms, state-of-the-art surgical suites, and modern physician offices.
- Advanced Surgical Wing: 15 technologically advanced operating rooms (ORs), each approximately 700 square feet—with accommodation for MRI-guided procedures and seamless proximity to the emergency/trauma center.
- Expanded Parking: Replacement of the original structure with a new 1,200-space parking garage, addressing long-term and immediate needs for patients and staff.
- Streamlined Access: Improved vehicular and pedestrian access; separate entrances for patients, private vehicles, ambulances, and air-medical transport for trauma cases.
- Sustainable Design: “Green building” features incorporated to minimize environmental impact, including below-grade mechanical systems for lower noise and landscape programs for gardens, greenways, and tree-lined paths.
- Future-Proof Infrastructure: Separate elevators for patients and non-patient logistics, plus designs focused on comfort, infection control, and safety.
Integration with Johns Hopkins Medicine
Since joining Johns Hopkins Medicine in 2009, Suburban Hospital benefits from direct alignment with the research, clinical expertise, and educational resources of this premier academic system. Hallmarks of the partnership include:
- Access to internationally renowned specialists across all major fields of medicine.
- Streamlined referrals between Johns Hopkins’ academic and community hospitals, outpatient centers, and regional programs.
- Integration of research and clinical trials, providing patients with opportunities to benefit from novel therapies and advanced treatment protocols.
- Unified electronic health records and participation in the OpenNotes initiative, increasing transparency and patient engagement.
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Quality, Accreditation, and Achievements
Suburban Hospital consistently earns distinction for its commitment to safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Key highlights:
- Recognized as high performing in two adult specialties and seven procedures/conditions.
- Fully accredited by The Joint Commission, underscoring excellence in care and clinical operations.
- Awarded for outcomes and innovation in surgery, critical care, and infection prevention.
Community Commitment
As a core mission, Suburban Hospital leads in:
- Delivering accessible health services and outreach across socioeconomic groups in Montgomery County and greater Washington, D.C.
- Community health education, screenings, and partnerships with local organizations to promote disease prevention.
- Support for wellness programming, chronic disease management, and access to culturally competent care for diverse populations.
Location and Partnerships
- Facility Address: 8600 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Maryland
- Key Partner: National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus located directly across the road.
- Affiliate Networks: Cooperates with local health-care providers, rehabilitation centers, and research institutions to ensure care coordination.
Patient Resources and Access
- Comprehensive emergency and scheduled care, with dedicated entrances and parking for easy navigation.
- Robust patient and family services, amenity-rich facilities, and a focus on comfort and privacy in every aspect of care.
- Transparent, user-friendly patient portals and medical records through Johns Hopkins electronic health systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes Suburban Hospital unique in Montgomery County?
A: Suburban Hospital uniquely serves as the county’s only designated Level II Trauma Center and is the leading provider of advanced surgical, cardiac, neurological, and oncologic care—leveraging its affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine for access to world-class expertise and research.
Q: Does Suburban Hospital offer comprehensive emergency and trauma services?
A: Yes. The hospital’s integrated emergency/trauma center delivers rapid, 24/7 access to multidisciplinary trauma teams, advanced imaging, surgical intervention, and critical care for adults in Montgomery County and surrounding regions.
Q: What are the flagship specialties at Suburban Hospital?
A: Suburban is distinguished in the areas of trauma, surgery (including orthopedic and minimally invasive procedures), cardiology, neurology, oncology, and ongoing community health initiatives.
Q: How is Suburban Hospital addressing future healthcare needs?
A: Through a major campus enhancement project focused on expanding surgical capacity, increasing private patient rooms, modernizing infrastructure and parking, and integrating green and sustainable design—all to better serve patients and the community for decades ahead.
Q: How can I learn more or contact Suburban Hospital?
A: Visit the hospital’s official website or contact them at their main Bethesda location at 8600 Old Georgetown Road or by calling their main number. Additional information is available through Johns Hopkins Medicine’s patient care locations directory.
Summary of Core Services Provided
- 24/7 trauma and emergency care
- Comprehensive surgical and procedural suites
- Cardiac and vascular services
- Oncology and infusion services
- Primary and specialty outpatient clinics
- Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services
Contact and Additional Resources
- Phone: 301-896-3100
- Address: 8600 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
- Online: Accessible through the Johns Hopkins Medicine website and Suburban Hospital subpages
Related Johns Hopkins Medicine Sites
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD)
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (Baltimore, MD)
- Howard County General Hospital (Columbia, MD)
- Sibley Memorial Hospital (Washington, D.C.)
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg, FL)
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suburban_Hospital
- https://web.greaterbethesdachamber.org/HOSPITALS/Suburban-Hospital,-Johns-Hopkins-Medicine-469
- https://www.opennotes.org/institution/johns-hopkins-medicine/
- https://mdcot.com/trauma-centers/suburban-hospital-johns-hopkins-medicine/
- https://www.nursingshowcase.com/Magnet_Hospitals?view=std&showcase=1442931663
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