Riverside Health is proud to announce that Riverside Smithfield Hospital (RSH) will officially open its doors to patients at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The new 50-bed hospital will provide expanded access to advanced medical care for residents across Isle of Wight County and the surrounding region.
The January 6 opening marks a historic milestone for Riverside’s commitment to improving community health by offering a full continuum of services right in the heart of Smithfield. The hospital will feature an Emergency Department, operating suites, imaging services, patient rooms designed for safety and comfort, and a medical office building adjacent to the hospital already serving patients.
“This is more than the opening of a new hospital, it is an investment in the health and vitality of Isle of Wight and the surrounding communities,” said Dr. Mike Dacey, President and CEO of Riverside Health. “We are honored to deliver high-quality, compassionate care in a setting that is both close to home and designed for the future of medicine.”
RSH was designed with the input of Riverside team members, patients, and community members to ensure it meets the unique needs of the area. The hospital has already brought hundreds of new jobs to the region and will provide patients with shorter travel times for essential services and will strengthen Riverside’s long-standing presence in Isle of Wight County.
“This hospital reflects years of planning, partnership, and a shared vision of making care more accessible,” said Jessica Macalino, President of Riverside Smithfield Hospital. “From emergency care to surgical services, this facility will make a meaningful difference for our neighbors and their families for generations to come.”
In preparation for opening day, RSH team members have spent the past several weeks participating in practice simulations, patient-flow exercises, and interdisciplinary drills designed to ensure every department is ready to deliver seamless care. With teams already familiar with the new spaces and technology, these final readiness activities focus on refining processes, confirming safety protocols, and strengthening team coordination. As January 6 approaches, RSH will continue to fine-tune operations to ensure the hospital opens fully prepared to provide exceptional care from day one.
To learn more about Riverside Smithfield Hospital, visit riversidonline.com/rsh.