Opening day at New Hanover Regional Medical Center's new Betty H. Cameron Women's and Children's Hospital was a very busy and exciting day! The first babies were born, the first patients were transferred and parents of neonatal intensive care babies enjoyed spending time with their babies in private rooms. All of these 'firsts' marked a new experience in healthcare for the women and children in our region.

The first patient of the new Women's and Children's Hospital was Crystal Justice, an expectant mother from Shallotte. She was moved from the third floor of NHRMC's patient tower to the first floor of the Women's and Children's Hospital at 7:00 a.m., September 14. 'We are excited about the new hospital. The rooms are beautiful and so much bigger than we have seen in any other hospital,' Justice said.

Four babies were born in the Women's and Children's Hospital on opening day. Crystal Justice also had the honor of delivering the first baby born in the new Women's and Children's Hospital. All families will receive an engraved frame that includes the name of the hospital and date.

The first baby born at the Women's and Children's Hospital and the last baby born in the patient tower will receive a $5,000.00 scholarship from NHRMC. Hospital staff will make the presentation Tuesday morning; the time will be announced later.

Patients were moved by floor throughout the day with a total of 59 patients transferred. The units moved included, Labor and Delivery, Mother/Baby, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women's Unit and Pediatrics. All patients were moved to the new facility by 4:45 p.m. Sunday. The region's first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit will open in November in the Women's and Children's Hospital.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center is the leading provider of quality and accessible health care in Southeastern North Carolina, delivering care to all in need, without the support of taxpayer dollars. The medical center takes seriously its responsibility as an economic engine for the community, creating more than 4,700 jobs directly and another 3,000 jobs indirectly.

For more information go to: http://www.nhrmc.org/womensandchildrens