Today marks a historic milestone for Isle of Wight and surrounding communities as Riverside Smithfield Hospital (RSH) officially opened its doors to patients at 8 a.m. The new 200,000 square foot, 50-bed hospital is located at 19339 Benns Grant Blvd., represents Riverside’s long-term commitment to expanding access to high-quality care, patient-centered care close to home.
“This day has been years in the making, and we could not be more grateful to the community that cheered us on, watched us build from the ground up and helped us reach the finish line,” said Jessica Macalino, President of Riverside Smithfield Hospital. “Many of our team members live, and now work, in this community and it is such an honor to now be able to make a difference for our neighbors.”
With Isle of Wight’s population expanding and local demand for nearby, comprehensive medical services increasing, RSH brings critical care resources closer to home. Residents previously had to travel outside of the community to access many essential services. The state-of-the-art facility features a 24/7 full-service emergency department, advanced surgical suites, a dedicated intensive care unit, diagnostic imaging services and a medical/surgical unit for inpatient care. These services work in conjunction with Riverside’s broader network to create a connected, patient-centered experience for individuals and families across the region.
“As the final piece of the puzzle is placed, we are excited to connect the continuum of care for residents of Isle of Wight and the surrounding communities,” said Justin Billings, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Riverside Smithfield Hospital. “With Riverside Eagle Harbor and the new Health Care Center Smithfield providing primary care, the Jamison Longford Medical Office Building offering specialized services and the new hospital delivering advanced and higher acuity care, we are creating a coordinated network that allows patients to receive high-quality care close to home.”
The vision for RSH began in 2021 with extensive planning, community engagement and regional health assessments. Following its official groundbreaking in July 2023, the project moved through more than two and a half years of construction, carried out in close collaboration with local partners, elected officials, architects, contractors and state regulatory agencies.
The hospital’s opening is the result of years of collective support from a community that has long advocated for greater access to health care services. Riverside’s continued investment in this region reflects the commitment that every person, regardless of where they live, has access to compassionate, high-quality care close to home.
Local first responders celebrated the impact the new hospital will have on emergency care in the region.
“Having Riverside Smithfield Hospital right here in our community is a game changer for emergency response,” said Brian Carroll, Chief, Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad. “Every minute matters when someone is in crisis. The ability to transport patients to a full-service hospital just minutes away will save lives and ensure our teams can provide the fastest, highest-quality care possible.”
Community members also shared their excitement and gratitude as the doors opened to the public.
“As a resident of Smithfield, I’m grateful to see Riverside investing in our community,” said LeighAnn Handley, Community Member. “This hospital means peace of mind for families like mine. Knowing that world-class care is close to home makes our community stronger, safer, and even more connected.”
To learn more about the hospital and medical services offered in Smithfield, visit riversideonline.com/rsh.