A Legacy of Growth, Innovation, and Community-Centered Care
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1950s: A Vision Realized

• October 5, 1950 – Sampson Memorial Hospital is Dedicated

Built for $1,053,369 through federal grants and county bonds—the only time in history Sampson County issued bonds for hospital construction—this marked a commitment to accessible care in rural North Carolina.

• October 10, 1950 – Hospital Opens

As a 100-bed hospital with on-site nurse housing, it was considered one of the most modern of its size in the nation. It laid the foundation for generations of care, employing 41 staff and led by a 20-member medical team under Dr. William Walton Kitchin.

• 1956–1959 – Major Expansions

Enhancements to radiology, the ER, central sterilization, dietary and oxygen systems modernized services, reflecting early efforts to meet growing community needs.
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1960s: Meeting Demand

• 1960 – Addition of 45 Patient Rooms

To meet capacity demands, 45 new patient rooms were added, allowing the hospital to serve a growing population.

• 1963 – Emergency Generator Installed

Ensured continuous power during outages—critical for patient safety.

• 1967 – Facility Expansion to 178 Beds

Growth in services like physical therapy increased the hospital’s ability to treat complex cases locally. Pharmacy also received an update.
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1970s: Expanding Access

• 1970 – Woodside Professional Building Opens

Enabled recruitment of specialists by offering office space directly connected to the hospital—bridging the gap between rural communities and specialty care.

• 1975/76 – Blood Donor Program Launches

Created a sustainable, local blood supply that continues to support emergency and surgical care today.
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1980s: Preparing for the Future

• 1980 – $6.6M Diagnostic & Treatment Building Opens

Anticipating the shift toward outpatient care, this expansion added advanced diagnostics, surgery, and trauma services—ushering in a new era of modern medicine.

• 1981 – Pediatric and Step-Down ICU Units Open

Provided specialized care for infants and critical patients transitioning out of intensive care.

• 1987 – Conversion of Beds for Skilled Nursing

Addressed the critical shortage of long-term care options for elderly and recovering patients in the county.

• 1989 – First Tree of Love Lighting Ceremony

A heartfelt community tradition supporting vital hospital projects, symbolizing generosity and remembrance.
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1990s: Innovation in Treatment

• 1990 – Introduction of Advanced Surgical Procedures

The hospital became a leader in rural surgical care with laparoscopic and laser surgery, reducing recovery times and improving outcomes.

• 1991–1992 – Pacemaker Clinic, Mammography, SPECT & MRI

Added diagnostic depth and continuity of care for cardiac, cancer, and orthopedic patients.

• 1994 – Home Health Services Begin

Transitioned from the county health department, bringing skilled care into patients' homes—improving access and reducing hospital stays.

• 1997–1999 – Maternity and Inpatient Renovations

Modern, family-centered maternity suites and private inpatient rooms greatly improved patient comfort and privacy.
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2000s: A System for the Future

• 2002 – Name Change & Outpatient Growth

From “Sampson Memorial” to Sampson Regional Medical Center, reflecting a broader scope. The Outpatient Rehabilitation Center opened to enhance recovery and independence for individuals offering a state-of-the-art center for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

• 2004 – The Center for Health + Wellness Opens

A 42,000 sq. ft. investment in prevention and community health through fitness, aquatic therapy, and education.

• 2005 – Cardiac Program Expands

Added Cardiac Rehab, Heart Clinic, and CHF services, reducing the need for patients to travel for cardiac care.

• 2006–2007 – Cancer and Outpatient Diagnostics Centers Open

Introduced local radiation oncology and women’s imaging, bringing vital cancer detection and treatment closer to home.

• 2009 – ER Expansion & Urgent Care Services Added

Enhanced emergency access with Fast Track rooms and acquired Clinton Urgent Care, which would be renamed to Sampson Convenient Care in 2022, making non-emergency care more accessible.
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2010s: Focus on Patient-Centered Care

• 2012 – Safe Suite and Infusion Therapy Units Open

Designed for behavioral health patients, the Safe Suite promotes dignity and safety. The infusion unit centralized outpatient IV therapy, improving continuity and patient experience.

• 2013 – Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center Opens

Brought advanced healing therapies for chronic wounds to the local community.

• 2014–2015 – Graduate Medical Education Program Established

In partnership with Campbell University, SampsonRMC began training future physicians, addressing rural healthcare workforce shortages.

• 2018 – Family Medicine Residency Accreditation

Strengthened the hospital’s role in educating high-quality, rural-ready family physicians.
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2020s: Resilience and Expansion

• 2020 – COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

SampsonRMC served on the frontlines of the pandemic, providing free vaccinations and safeguarding the public’s health.

• 2023 – Primary Care Grows in Spivey’s Corner

Expanded access to routine care and introduced a dedicated Patient Transport Ambulance Service—ensuring patients could receive timely care locally and at referrals.

• 2024 – Orthopedics and Inpatient Dialysis Launch

Specialized services reduce the need to travel for orthopedic surgery and dialysis. Bedside telehealth nephrology enhances consult availability.

• 2025 – Blood Mobile & Brand Unification

The Blood Mobile expands donation outreach across the county. Two primary care practices rebrand to form Sampson Medical Group of Roseboro and Sampson Family Medicine, improving continuity of care and brand recognition.
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Shaping Tomorrow’s Care
As Sampson Regional Medical Center celebrates 75 years of healing, innovation, and service, its unwavering mission remains: to provide quality patient care to Sampson County and surrounding communities through accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive health services.