• About Us
  • Careers
  • News
  • Classes & Events
  • Give

NORTHERN REGIONAL HOSPITAL

  • Find a Doctor
  • Services
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Contact Us
  • Employee Login
  • COVID-19

History

A look back at Northern’s past.

Home » About Us » History

Our History

Timeline

1953

Martin Memorial Hospital

Martin Memorial Hospital
Martin Memorial Hospital, which was located on Gilmer and Cherry streets in Mount Airy, was founded by Dr. Moir S. Martin in 1915. The small hospital, which housed 75 beds, was destroyed by fire in 1953. That year, voters approved a referendum to create the Northern Regional Hospital and the Martin Memorial School of Nursing.
1957

Northern Hospital of Surry County Opens Their Doors

Northern Hospital of Surry County Opens Their Doors

With 98 beds, Northern Hospital of Surry County opened its doors to patients in 1957. John K. Lockhart served as the hospital’s first administrator, a position he held until 1991.

1958

Martin Memorial School of Nursing

Martin Memorial School of Nursing

The Martin Memorial School of Nursing was re-established next to the hospital in a facility later known as the Martin Memorial Building. However, in the early 1970s, the school closed and a new nursing program was established at Surry Community College.

1969

First Intensive/Coronary Unit

An intensive/coronary unit, which was one of the first such facilities in a rural community hospital, was added in 1969 along with a 24-hour emergency department and a physical therapy service.

1974

14,000 square foot ambulatory care addition

The construction of a 14,000 square foot ambulatory care addition, which included pathology, radiology, outpatient/emergency and office space added on to the hospital’s north wing, was completed in 1974.

1977

Increased the number of Physicians and Services

Because the service area of the hospital was medically underserved with about half of the citizens leaving the area for admission to other hospitals, a long-term plan was implemented to increase the number of physicians and services offered by Northern Regional Hospital. These new services included cardiology, internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, urology, pediatrics, and anesthesiology.

1985

Increased bed capacity

In 1985, the hospital increased its bed capacity to 160 beds to eliminate the use of four-bed wards. Nearly 80% of patient rooms became single occupancy. At this time, virtually the entire building was refurbished and modernized to provide state-of-the-art services. More services were added during the late 1980s, including a short-term in-patient psychiatric unit, an adult care service, and a skilled nursing facility. All rooms were converted to private rooms bringing the total bed capacity to 133 licensed beds.

1993

Added Emergency Department

Added Emergency Department

Additions to the emergency department and day surgery area were completed in 1993.

2002

Completed an extensive $18.6 million expansion

Completed an extensive $18.6 million expansion

As part of its commitment to excellence, the hospital completed an extensive $18.6 million expansion and renovation project that has enhanced access to quality care in a safe environment. Patients benefit from a host of new technologies, expanded services, and streamlined patient care.

2007

Renovations continued

Renovations continued

Renovations continued within the hospital as the Nuclear Medicine department expanded. The Martin Memorial Building and former Martin Memorial School of Nursing was demolished to make way for expansion. Ground was broken for the new 58,000 sq. ft. Surgical Services expansion.

2009

58,000 sq.ft. expansion of Surgical Services

58,000 sq.ft. expansion of Surgical Services

In June 2009, the 58,000 square foot expansion of Surgical Services was completed and The Surgery Center was opened. This state-of-the-art facility includes integrated digital operating rooms, pre-admission testing, patient prep and holding areas, day surgery, endoscopy, family and visitor waiting, family consultation areas, post anesthesia care, and sterile processing.

2019

Introducing Northern Regional Hospital

Introducing Northern Regional Hospital

Northern Hospital of Surry County becomes Northern Regional Hospital and unveils a new logo.

2020

Introducing Northern Urgent Care

Introducing Northern Urgent Care

Northern opens its first urgent care clinic located at 119 Welch Road in Mount Airy.

2022

Linda’s Healing and Prayer Garden

Linda’s Healing and Prayer Garden

The Garden is located at Entrance C of the Hospital and features many flowers, plants, and red maple trees, with several benches for visitors to sit and enjoy the flora and sounds of the rock and boulder fountain.

2023

Medical Office Building – Spring 2023

Medical Office Building – Spring 2023

Northern Regional Hospital broke ground for the new medical office building on S. South Street beside the Hospital. The facility will house Northern Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, Urology, and General Surgery and is projected to open in Spring 2023.

2023

Northern Family Medicine- Dobson- Spring 2023

Northern Family Medicine- Dobson- Spring 2023

Northern Regional Hospital acquired the old Wells Fargo Bank located at 105 N. Crutchfield Street in Dobson, NC. The property is currently being updated to house a second Northern Family Medicine location projected to open Spring 2023.

About Us

  • About Us
  • Leadership
  • Board of Trustees
  • History
  • Rebranding
  • Our Community

830 Rockford Street | Mount Airy, NC 27030

(336) 719-7000

nrhinfo@wearenorthern.org

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

About Northern

  • About Us
  • Message from the CEO
  • Board of Trustees
  • Our History
  • Employee Login

Careers

  • Our Careers
  • Apply Now
  • Educational Resources
  • HR Department
  • Volunteer Opportunities

Contact Us

  • Contact Us
  • Clinics
  • Request Medical Record
  • Privacy Notice
  • Joint Commission

© 2023 Northern Regional Hospital· All rights reserved.  Notice of Non-descrimination. Privacy Policy.