History Mission Hospital McDowell, formerly known as McDowell Hospital and Marion General Hospital, is located in Marion. The county's first hospital opened in 1908 by Gaston Bailey Justice, MD. The facility served the community for one year. The second hospital opened in 1917 by Guy Kirby, MD. The third hospital was opened in 1924 by J.F. Miller, MD, and was incorporated as Marion General in 1927. In 1930, the first structure designed to serve as a dedicated hospital facility opened on James Drive in downtown Marion. The facility served the community until 1952. In 1952, after healthcare needs quickly outgrew the James Drive facility, a new facility opened on Fleming Avenue and featured 50 patient beds. The facility was built with the aid of Hill-Burton and Duke Endowment funds. In 1977, twelve beds were added, resulting in 62 beds total. In 1953, a nurse's residence opened adjacent to the hospital. In 1983, a new hospital opened, replacing the Fleming Avenue facility. It featured 65 private patient rooms and was located just outside the Marion city limit. In 2004, McDowell Hospital officially became part of the Mission Health system. The partnership provided expanded resources, educational opportunities, shared services and greater financial stability. In 2018, Mission Hospital McDowell opened its doors and is the seventh facility to serve McDowell County since 1908. The new hospital, built on the same property as the previous facility, features 30 inpatient beds, including 5 labor and delivery suites. The new facility also features an expanded emergency department, a state-of-the-art surgery center, larger inpatient rooms focused on patient- and family-centered care, along with improved parking and patient access. Mission Hospital McDowell offers a variety of medical services including cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, primary care, general surgery, urology, spine, internal medicine, pediatrics, wound care and more. Mission Hospital McDowell has seven physician practices within the area, including Glenwood, Marion, Morganton, Nebo and Old Fort. Mission Hospital McDowell serves McDowell, Rutherford, Yancey, Mitchell, Avery and Burke counties. Click here to see a list of recent awards for Mission Hospital McDowell.