Governor McCrory Celebrates Grand Opening of New Cherry Hospital

Published: Friday, September 2nd, 2016 @ 3:26 pm
By: McCrory Communications ( More Entries )

Press Release:

New Cherry Hospital to add 116 psychiatric beds and 373 new jobs

Goldsboro, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Rick Brajer joined state and local officials to celebrate the opening of the new Cherry Hospital today. Staff will begin transferring patients to the state-operated psychiatric hospital in late September.

The new Cherry Hospital will increase the number of psychiatric beds by 116, bringing the total to 313. A total of 373 new jobs will be added in the months following the transition from the older facility of the same name.

    "Since day one, two of our central philosophies have been to get people back to work and to help those who can't help themselves while encouraging those who can. The opening of the new Cherry Hospital will help us reach both goals," said Governor McCrory. "The additional capacity of this new facility builds on our progress to reduce the time patients with mental health disorders spend in emergency rooms before being connected to appropriate care."

    Governor McCrory toured the new hospital, which is a single-structure, three-story building with approximately 410,000 square feet. It is near the original hospital on the west side of Goldsboro and serves citizens in 38 eastern North Carolina counties.

    "This state-of-the-art facility will provide a setting that will further enhance Cherry's mission to be a center for hope, care and recovery," said Secretary Brajer. "By providing care under one roof, cost efficiencies will also be realized."

At the time of the move, the hospital will be staffed for the current capacity of 197 beds. Capacity will be increased over time to its full occupancy of 313 beds, contingent on the hiring of additional staff.

The new facility will employ more than 1,300 employees at full occupancy and features a state-of-the-art laboratory, internal and external courtyards, dental and radiology departments and a treatment mall.

The Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities within DHHS oversees and manages 14 state-operated healthcare facilities that treat adults and children with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. These facilities serve those with complex acute care needs, providing a level of care not available in their communities.