If you’ve lived in Harnett County for more than a minute, you know the name. Betsy Johnson Hospital is basically a landmark in Dunn. But honestly, if you haven’t checked in on it lately, you might be surprised by how much has changed. It isn’t just that old hospital on Tilghman Drive anymore.
Things are different now.
First off, the name on the sign looks a bit bigger. Since merging with the Fayetteville giant, it’s officially Cape Fear Valley Betsy Johnson Hospital. Some folks around town were worried the local feel would disappear when the "big city" system took over. Kinda makes sense to be nervous about that. But for the most part, the merger was about keeping the doors open and the lights on when rural healthcare across North Carolina was—and still is—hitting some pretty rough water.
The Maternity Question: What Really Happened?
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room first. If you’re looking for a place to have a baby in Dunn, you’ve probably heard the news by now, and it isn't great. In late 2023, the hospital made the tough call to end labor and delivery services.
It was a huge blow.
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Basically, they cited a mix of declining birth rates in the immediate area and the absolute nightmare of trying to recruit specialized staff to a smaller market. It’s a trend we’re seeing all over the state. In fact, this was the 10th maternity unit in North Carolina to shutter its doors in a decade.
Does this mean you can't get prenatal care? No.
Can you still see a gynecologist? Yes.
The outpatient clinics are still running. You can do your check-ups and your ultrasounds right there in Dunn. But when the big day comes? You’re likely headed to Fayetteville or Lillington. It’s a bit of a trek, and it’s definitely a point of frustration for local families who remember when "Betsy" was the go-to spot for every newborn in the county.
More Than Just an ER
Despite the maternity shift, this place is still a workhorse. It’s a 101-bed facility that handles a massive amount of traffic. We’re talking over 50,000 emergency room visits a year. That’s a lot of stiches and "is this broken?" x-rays.
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The hospital has really leaned into its partnership with Campbell University. You’ll see a lot of medical residents and students buzzing around. This is actually a win for the community. Having a teaching component usually means the hospital is staying up-to-date on the latest tech and clinical trials. Plus, it’s a smart way to "grow" the next generation of doctors so they might actually stay in Harnett County instead of heading to Charlotte or Raleigh.
Here is a quick look at what’s actually happening inside those walls right now:
- Surgery: They have four main operating rooms. They handle everything from general surgery and orthopedics to more specialized stuff like podiatry and urology.
- Cardiology: They’ve put a lot of money into heart and vascular care.
- Imaging: The tech here is solid. 3D ultrasounds and multi-slice CT scanners aren't exactly "small town" equipment anymore.
- The Wellness Center: This is a hidden gem. It’s a 12,000-square-foot facility with an aquatic therapy pool. If you’re recovering from surgery, it’s arguably the best spot in the county for rehab.
Why Betsy Johnson Still Matters (The "Rural Reality")
Running a hospital in a town like Dunn is a balancing act. You’ve got the competition from the massive systems in the Triangle, and you’ve got the rising costs of everything from gauze to specialized nurses.
A lot of people think that because it's part of Cape Fear Valley now, it’s just a "satellite" office. That’s a bit of a misconception. It remains a non-profit regional hospital. It serves as the primary medical hub for the southern end of the county. If you’re in Benson, Coats, or Erwin and you have a real emergency, this is your frontline.
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Navigating the Hospital in 2026
If you’re heading there soon, here is the "real-world" advice you won't find on a shiny brochure.
The parking is free, which is a blessing compared to the Raleigh hospitals where you pay $10 just to look at the front door. The main entrance is off Tilghman Drive. If you’re going for the ER, that has its own entrance that is clearly marked, but keep in mind that the "Express" program is meant for minor stuff. If it’s life-threatening, you’re going to the main ER queue.
One thing to keep in mind: The hospital uses the Epic electronic records system now. If you’ve ever had bloodwork done at another Cape Fear Valley location or even some of the big systems in the Triangle, there’s a good chance your records are already in the system. It makes the "paperwork" part of a visit way less of a headache than it used to be.
Actionable Next Steps
If you need care at Betsy Johnson, here is how to handle it:
- Check the MyChart App: Since they are on the Cape Fear Valley system, you can book appointments and see test results through the MyChart app. It’s way faster than waiting on a phone call.
- Verify Your Location: Remember that "Harnett Health" now spans multiple spots. Ensure your appointment is at the Dunn campus (Betsy Johnson) and not the Central Harnett campus in Lillington.
- Prepare for Transfers: If you have a highly specialized condition (like certain advanced cardiac issues or high-risk labor), be prepared for the possibility of a transfer to Fayetteville. They have a "hub and spoke" model for a reason.
- Use the Wellness Center: Even if you aren't a "patient," look into their rehab and wellness programs. They offer community resources that most people don't take advantage of until they're forced to by a doctor.
Betsy Johnson has had to evolve to survive. It’s not the same hospital it was in 1937, and it’s not even the same one it was five years ago. But for a rural hospital in North Carolina, "staying alive" is a victory in itself.