When the family gathers around to discuss this summer’s must-visit destinations, chances are slim little Suzie throws out the hospital as one of her top choices.

It’s a place most of us would just as soon never wind up.

It may not have the sizzle of our favorite restaurants, the glitz of downtown’s top shops or the sparkle of the Pamlico River on a summer day, but for so many who find themselves in need of medical care, our local hospital shines like a jewel.

The past few years provided plenty of wear during a controversial affiliation process, but Vidant Beaufort is emerging with a fresh glow.

You can see it in the faces of hospital employees who beam with pride and excitement over a renewed focus on customer service and patient satisfaction.

It shows in the new look of modernized facilities like the Upfront Café and the promise of further renovations planned for the near future.

It’s evident in plans to reinvigorate community involvement and community outreach.

The folks at Vidant Beaufort Hospital invite you to take another look at your community’s primary health care provider.

The 142-bed hospital is on pace for 58,000 outpatient visits this year, 3,200 inpatient admissions, 3,700 surgeries, 320 births and 22,000 emergency department visits.

With 615 employees, it’s the third largest employer in Beaufort County, with an annual payroll of $22 million.

Now’s a good time to re-evaluate whether you really need to leave town for services offered right next door, from general surgery to labor and delivery.

Vidant Beaufort is equipped with the professional staff and state-of-the-art equipment to provide top-notch care.

That’s an invaluable resource. Quality healthcare is a cornerstone of any thriving community. And those with a stake in ours should be pulling for continued improvement and success at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.