WILMINGTON, NC – New Hanover Regional Medical Center celebrates a milestone June 14 as it commemorates 50 years of providing quality health care and healing throughout the region.
To observe this
anniversary milestone, the main entrance will be redesigned to allow patients and families space to rest, reflect and visit with friends. A spiraling walkway will guide visitors through the new area, culminating at a symbolic sculpture by local dentist Dr. William Salling that has been commissioned for the occasion.
NHRMC opened in 1967 as an integrated hospital serving all people in the community. Since then, its providers and caretakers have healed a multitude of patients, brought many more into the world, and guided patients and families through all stages of life.
NHRMC was established when two segregated hospitals closed their doors and merged to create New Hanover Memorial Hospital. For a small southern town, it was a crowning civil rights achievement to have the region come together as one health care community for the first time.
“Fifty years ago, the opening of New Hanover Memorial Hospital marked a bold step forward for Wilmington and New Hanover County. The integration of our hospital was an incredible accomplishment during a time of turmoil and unrest,” said NHRMC President and CEO John Gizdic. “Since then, the hospital has grown into New Hanover Regional Medical Center, an organization that continues to lead our thriving community in financial strength, civic partnership, and above all, health and wellness.”
Today, NHRMC is a nationally recognized medical center that exceeds national standards for quality and receives no local tax support for its operations. NHRMC contributes about $145 million worth of care for the poor and has an impact of more than $1 billion annually on the economy of New Hanover County alone. NHRMC exists to serve the people of southeastern North Carolina, as its providers and staff work to fulfill its mission of leading the community to outstanding health.
“Over the past 50 years, our community members have learned to rely on NHRMC to deliver excellent health care,” said Gizdic. “We are honored to have earned your trust and confidence. As health care continues to change, we will continue to work diligently to help our community members lives healthier lives.”
Members of the community are invited to recognize family members or friends, or to express appreciation to caregivers by donating a paver. For more information about the 50th celebration project, visit
www.nhrmcfoundation.org.
For more information on NHRMC’s history, visit
www.nhrmc.org/about/history.