Joan Araujo, chief deputy director of the Ventura County Medical Center, shows off the equipment in the hospital’s new North Tower.

Business, government and medical leaders on Aug. 14 toured the Ventura County Medical Center’s new North Tower, which is slated to start serving patients on Aug. 20.

The group suited up to view state-of-the-art operating rooms and the tower’s new intensive care unit, which brings the number of ICU rooms to 46 between the new and older buildings.

Those on the tour were able to step foot on a new playground to be used by pediatric intensive care patients during recovery.

“This is not a hospital, this is a healing environment” said Joan Araujo, who led the tour and serves as chief deputy director.

Members of the tour included Ventura County Executive Officer Michael Powers, Oxnard Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Nancy Lindholm, and Camarillo Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Gary Cushing.

• Contact Matt Ackerman at intern@pacbiztimes.com.