The Pearland Medical Center opened its doors to the city of Pearland Feb. 3 as the city's first hospital.

The $71 million facility, located at Hwy. 288 and Shadow Creek Parkway, features 33 beds and includes inpatient and outpatient surgery, labor and delivery, cesarean–section operating rooms and surgical suites.

"As Pearland's 100,000–plus population continues to grow, adding approximately 1,000 single family homes each year, the opening of Pearland Medical Center will allow our growing population to seek health care services in Pearland," said Matt Buchanan, president of the Pearland Economic Development Corporation.

About 250 full–time employees staff Pearland Medical Center including 150 physicians. Buchanan said the medical center not only benefits the residents, but also sets a standard for the growing medical community in Pearland.

"The Pearland Medical Center's positive economic impact on our community, bringing $71 million in investment and approximately 250 jobs to Pearland, benefits not only our residents, but further strengthens Pearland's growing health care sector," Buchanan said.

Before the Pearland Medical Center opened, the nearest hospital was nearly 20 miles away in the Texas Medical Center. Matt Dixon, Pearland Medical Center CEO, said the 144,000–square–foot center provides a quicker commute time as a closer alternative for the Pearland community.

"Pearland Medical Center is committed to the future growth and success of our community," Dixon said. "The residents of Pearland and Brazoria County will now have access to convenient, high-quality healthcare minutes from home."

The Pearland Medical Center is an affiliate of the Hospital Corporation of America. Memorial Hermann is scheduled to open the city's second hospital—Memorial Hermann Pearland—in December 2015. The hospital is located on a 40-acre site between Hwy. 288 and Business Center Drive and will house 64 hospital beds as well as other services, according to Memorial Hermann.

For more information on Pearland Medical Center, visit www.pearlandmc.com.