Riverside Health is proud to announce that Riverside Smithfield Hospital (RSH) has officially received its Certificate of Occupancy, signifying the completion of construction and the start of its final transition into patient-ready operations. This milestone brings the hospital one step closer to opening its doors in early January 2026.
The hospital features 34 medical/surgical beds and 10 intensive care unit (ICU) beds. It also includes a 14-room emergency department with a trauma bay and rapid triage capabilities, four operating rooms, two procedure suites, and a full complement of diagnostic imaging and lab services. Each of these areas is designed to support a patient-first experience and seamlessly coordinate with specialty services offered both on campus at the Jamison-Longford Medical Office Building and throughout the greater Isle of Wight community.
“This milestone is the result of years of hard work, vision, and partnership,” said Jessica Macalino, President of Riverside Smithfield Hospital. “From the approval of our Certificate of Public Need to receiving our Certificate of Occupancy, every step has been driven by one goal—serving the people of this region. The incredible work of our construction partners, engineers, and project teams brought that vision to life—on time and with excellence. This is truly the community’s hospital. Because of them, we’re here. And we are honored to move one step closer to opening our doors and delivering the care they deserve, right here at home.”
With its Certificate of Occupancy now secured, RSH will begin the final phase of preparation, including the installation of medical equipment, onboarding of new team members, conducting mock-code safety drills, and completing rigorous licensing and accreditation inspections.
“From the earliest days of planning, the people of Isle of Wight County have shown extraordinary support for bringing this hospital to life,” says Dr. Justin Billings, Chief Medical Officer for Riverside Smithfield Hospital. “Their voices helped shape this project, and their belief in Riverside helped make it possible. We know how much this hospital will mean to the families who live here—for access to emergency care, for life-saving treatment, and for the peace of mind that comes with knowing world-class care is just minutes away.”
Riverside will continue to share updates on the hospital’s opening timeline and community events at riversideonline.com/rsh and across its digital channels.