The new Brunswick Novant Medical Center opened July 31 at 6:00 a.m., the same time the old Brunswick Community Hospital closed its doors. By 9:30 am, 24 patients were transported to the new facility, with the new emergency room seeing 3 people within its first hour of opening.  The new replacement hospital received an exceptional response during opening events. Approximately 700 people purchased tickets to support the medical center’s new foundation and to preview the facility. Nearly 5,000 people toured the facility during the community open house, which also included a dedication ceremony highlighted by remarks given by U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre. Guests at opening events learned about the new hospital’s expanded emergency department, state-of-the-art operating rooms, maternity center and the facility’s all-private patient rooms. They also learned more about the new patient-focused amenities, including dining-on-call room service, wireless Internet through the facility and extended visiting hours. “The turnout for this event was tremendous,” said Denise Mihal, hospital president. “After more than four years of planning and community support, it was an honor to share this celebration with the community we serve.”

The opening of this state-of-the-art medical facility reinforces what those who call Brunswick County home know – that it is an exceptional place to live that both cherishes its relaxed and un-crowded lifestyle, while continuing to develop the technology and modern conveniences that you’d expect in a prosperous, growing community.

As noted in a recent post about River Fest in Wilmington, Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival in Kure Beach, and the North Carolina Oyster Festival on Ocean Isle Beach, the Fall Season here in southeastern North Carolina is filled with festivals.

This weekend is Holden Beach’s Festival by the Sea, the largest festival in the South Brunswick Islands. Activities include live music, arts/crafts/food vendors, parade, horseshoe and sandcastle building contests, face painting, and the Charlotte Kite Club flying kites.  After the parade on Saturday, hundreds of people will walk across the Holden Beach Bridge (this is the only day of the year you can walk the bridge) to enjoy the vendors and other activities.  Schedule of events here.