Pender County Museum showcases evolution of healthcare through new exhibit

BURGAW, NC (WWAY)– One local hospital is celebrating several decades of service to the community, as leaders gathered at the Pender County Museum in Burgaw to mark 75 years of Novant Health Pender Medical Center, formerly known as Pender Memorial Hospital.

Did you know nurses once wore starched white uniforms like the ones seen in the 1950s? Or that doctors performed surgeries on heavy metal operating tables decades ago?

Now, visitors can step back in time and explore the evolution of healthcare in Pender County through a new exhibit at the Pender County Museum celebrating 75 years of Novant Health Pender Medical Center.

On Thursday, leaders with Novant Health and members of the Pender County Historical Society gathered in Burgaw for a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the display. The exhibit features vintage medical equipment used by doctors and nurses throughout the decades, including thermometers, microscopes, scalpels, and historical uniforms.

But beyond showcasing how medicine has changed over time, organizers say the exhibit also highlights the hospital’s longstanding commitment to serving the community.

“It is a hospital where both white and black patients were served 16 years before that happened in New Hanover County,” said Mike Taylor, vice president of the Pender County Historical Society.

Formally known as “Pender Memorial Hospital”, it was purchased by Novant Health in 2023, marking the beginning of a new chapter for healthcare in the county.

As Pender County continues to grow, local leaders face significant healthcare challenges, including a higher death rate and lower life expectancy compared to the state average. Novant officials say investments are already underway to improve access to care.

Ruth Glaser, president of Novant Health Pender Medical Center, says the organization is focusing on facility upgrades, expanding mobile healthcare services in rural communities, and recruiting more healthcare workers.

“We were just approved to start a rural general surgery residency to train surgeons in the community,” Glaser said. “We’re continuing to hire and recruit physicians and other staff to grow services in our community.”

Taylor says he’s optimistic about the hospital’s future under Novant Health.

“I would say the community is in good hands with Novant,” Taylor said. “They pledged to invest $50 million. They are already upgrading the hospital and different services, and I think it’s going to be good for Pender County.”

If you want to check out “The 75th Anniversary of Novant Health Pender Medical Center”- The Pender County Museum is located on West Bridgers Street and they’re open– Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.