After more than a year of construction and $4.1 million of community support, the new SECU Family House at New Hanover Regional Medical Center opened on Nov. 19 at its new location, 1523 Physicians Drive.

Families who travel to Wilmington for medical care many need a place to stay and rest while their loved one receives treatment. The SECU Family House at NHRMC is described as “a relaxing and peaceful place in which patients and families can rest, prepare meals and find the support of staff, volunteers and other guests” while receiving care at New Hanover Regional. “We are the regional referral center for southeastern North Carolina and so many of our patients have travelled a long way from home to receive care here,” Jack Barto, president and CEO of New Hanover Regional, said in a news release.

The NHRMC Hospitality House has served the need since 1986, but the house is outdated and lacks appropriate space and features to adequately address guest needs, Barto said.

The State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation committed a dollar-for-dollar match up to $2 million for the construction of a new house, Barto said. The New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation worked with local businesses and individuals to raise the match.

In addition to doubling the number of guest rooms, the SECU Family House will provide improved features and benefits including private bathrooms, communal spaces for families, an outdoor play area for children and modern safety features, officials said.

The facility will be operated by the NHRMC Auxiliary, providing the staff and operational funding needed to sustain the new house.