New Hospital Opens in Wilmington

The new Betty H. Cameron Women and Children's Hospital admitted its first patients on Sunday.

The $45,000,000 facility was paid for by a combination of hospital funds, community bonds and donations.

It features large rooms with sleep sofas, cable and internet access as well as other sophisticated medical technologies. Hospital Director Barbara Buechler says the facility is designed so families can stay close during hospital stays.

Crystal Justice, who was in labor for her third child, was one of the first patients.

“This hospital is way advanced compared to the other hospitals I delivered at,” said Justice.

The hospital has 149 beds and is still growing. Officials say a pediatric intensive care unit will open in November. It will be the only one in the region.