Our History

Located in one of the largest and fastest growing counties in the state, Southern Ocean Medical Center has become a vibrant healthcare resource to our residents and visitors.

Following are some key moments from our history which speak to our development and establishment as a destination of choice for health care in the region:

In the early 1970’s, a small group of committed residents on Long Beach Island, led by the late James Nobel, shared a dream to build a hospital.

In 1972, after many years of fundraising, Southern Ocean County Hospital was opened in August under the sponsorship of Burlington Memorial, with 54 beds and 17 physicians.

In 1980, the James Nobel Pavilion was constructed adding a second floor with an additional 40 beds making Southern Ocean County Hospital eligible to apply for an independent operating license.

In January 2010, Southern Ocean County Hospital joined the Meridian family.

Southern Ocean County Hospital officially changed their name to Southern Ocean Medical Center in October 2010.

Today, Southern Ocean Medical Center is a 176-bed center for medical excellence, featuring 230 physicians representing over 40 specialties, and over 1,200 skilled healthcare professionals.