At a time when people are asking how health systems truly give back, Virtua Mount Holly offers a clear answer: investing in the people who work here and investing in Burlington County, the place we call home.

In the months ahead, construction will begin on one of the most significant expansions in the history of Virtua Mount Holly Hospital. Recognizing the responsibility of caring for a growing community – and the desire to provide state-of-the-art working environments – we will create spaces that are dynamic, welcoming, and, equipped to provide highly advanced clinical services. 

In addition to providing exceptional care inside the hospital, Virtua Mount Holly is strengthening Burlington County through local investment, expanded services, and community programs that reach well beyond its campus. It’s one of the reasons Virtua, a not-for-profit health system, was recently named among the nation’s top health system brands for trust and compassion.

It’s also a commitment that John Kirby, president of Virtua Mount Holly, takes personally.

“I got into healthcare because I wanted to help others,” says John Kirby, Virtua Mount Holly’s president, who has been with Virtua for more than a decade. “And I’ve stayed here because I see that in action every day—from our nurses who provide exceptional care to patients, to our Eat Well program that provides nutritional food options to underserved areas in our community. That’s why we continue to invest in our people, both inside and outside our hospital.”

An occupational therapist by training, Kirby points to several signature programs that demonstrate Mount Holly’s impact to the community, including the Patient Care Fund, Breast Care Comfort Fund, Eat Well program, and Mobile Health Units. In the past year alone at Virtua:

• 3,353 patients received free health screenings through the Mobile Health and Cancer Screening Unit 
• 994 patients received financial assistance from the Patient Care Fund
• 453 breast cancer patients received financial support from the Breast Care Comfort Fund
• 173 bags of food were provided to patients facing food insecurity
• 148 health events were hosted by Virtua Health in local communities

Kirby says that a hospital’s commitment to its community is measured not only by the care it delivers and the contributions it makes, but also by how it invests in the people who make that care possible. That investment is paying off. Virtua Mount Holly continues to earn strong employer rankings, named among “America’s Best Employers” by Forbes; “America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care” by Newsweek; and “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare.

“The rankings affirm the work we’re doing to support our teams,” says Shannon Stillwell, chief nursing officer at Virtua Mount Holly. “But what matters most to me are the moments behind the numbers—whether that’s supporting a colleague through our scholarship program, celebrating team members who go above and beyond for patients, or seeing more nurses choose to build and grow their careers here.”

Nurse retention is stronger than ever. Fewer nurses are choosing to leave Virtua Mount Holly than ever before. In the first quarter of 2026, Virtua Mount Holly’s nurse turnover rate was 7.4%, down from 13.9% just two years ago.

Virtua’s commitment to its people also includes a strong focus on safety.

In recent years, Virtua has implemented a comprehensive approach to safety that combines advanced technology, enhanced security presence, and ongoing training for staff.

At Virtua Mount Holly and across the health system, visitors now pass through weapons-screening technology designed to detect potential threats quickly and efficiently while maintaining a welcoming environment. (In fact, it is the same technology seen at stadiums, theaters, and other venues that draw large crowds.)

Select colleagues are also supported by wearable alert devices, which allow them to immediately signal security if they feel at risk.

These efforts are complemented by 24/7 security staff, including trained personnel who help de-escalate situations and respond quickly when needed. “Hospitals are places of healing,” says John Kirby. “We are committed to the safety of everyone who walks through our doors.”

It’s another clear sign that Virtua Mount Holly, which has served Burlington County since 1880, is here for good.