Our History: How Hemby Got Started

While a pediatric unit had been in place at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center since the 1950s, Torrence and Hilda Hemby had a vision to see a hospital dedicated solely to the needs of children. Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital opened at Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte in 1995 as a specialized facility for children from birth to age 17. It now encompasses a 43-bed general pediatric unit, an eight-bed pediatric intensive care unit, a 38-bed Level IV neonatal care unit, a 20-bed adolescent behavioral health unit and a 24/7 pediatric emergency department.

The Hembys recognized the need for continuing financial support to ensure the highest quality medical care, and in 1997 they began the Hemby Children’s Golf Classic. This fundraising event has raised more than two million dollars to support such projects as pediatric critical care transport, the Blume Family Playroom and the Hemby Theatre. To learn more about how you can support pediatric patient care through the Hemby Children’s Golf Classic, call Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation at 704-384-4048.