Medical Center Alliance Opens In Fort Worth

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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - A new hospital opened its doors for the first time on Thursday morning in north Fort Worth, near Alliance Airport. But it comes as services end at another North Texas facility.

There is a big emphasis on labor and delivery at the new Medical Center Alliance. The hospital rooms are designed with large families in mind, and it has the second largest private neonatal intensive care unit in Tarrant County.

There is a big celebration planned for the first baby born at the new hospital, whenever that may be. The first scheduled delivery at the new hospital is set for Tuesday.

But the opening comes as North Hills Hospital in North Richland Hills closes its labor and delivery unit. Officials from the hospital explained that they simply were not delivering many children there anymore. Randy Moresi, CEO of North Hills Hospital, said, "The demographics were changing, not only for Alliance, but for us."

The needs at North Hills Hospital have shifted, and are now more focused on older patients. "We have hearts going out and knees going out, backs going out," Moresi said. "That's more of our niche now."

So, after more than 50 years and 50,000 babies, North Hills Hospital decided that there was a bigger need for medical professionals in north Fort Worth. The staff moved their labor and delivery unit north to Medical Center Alliance, and is now helping patients there.

It is the end of an era for North Hills Hospital. "It is bittersweet, I have to admit," Moresi said, comparing the transition to a child leaving home for college. "A part of me is very sad and a part of me is very excited."