UNC Health has exciting plans for Wilmington. They’re proposing a new hospital to serve the growing community. This move comes as a direct challenge to Novant, which already operates in the city.
The proposed location for the new hospital is at South 17th Street and Shipyard Boulevard, less than a mile from Novant’s facility. “This project is about bringing care closer to home,” said Dr. Christy Page, CEO of UNC Health. Their goal is to provide crucial services like cardiology, emergency care, OBGYN, and oncology, reducing the need for families to travel to Chapel Hill for specialized care.
UNC Health is in the early stages and needs state approval for their plans. They’ll submit their application for a Certificate of Need soon. They aim for the hospital to open by 2030, but the specifics will depend on the approval process.
The team at UNC Health is closely connected to Wilmington. Dr. Page grew up there, and Ernie Bovio, the regional president, used to lead Novant’s Wilmington operations. “Wilmington deserves more healthcare options,” Bovio emphasized.
UNC Health has invested about $4 million to understand community needs. Residents have expressed a need for more health screenings, mobile services, and health programs at schools. The hospital will focus on elder care, as roughly 20% of Wilmington’s population is senior citizens.
Interestingly, Wilmington Health, a local practice, has voiced support for the new hospital, indicating a community desire for enhanced healthcare options.
Historically, Wilmington’s healthcare landscape changed significantly after New Hanover County sold its hospital system to Novant in 2021. This deal, worth $1.5 billion, was meant to deal with financial pressures from larger health systems. Novant committed to invest $3.1 billion in the area, including a new heart and vascular facility.
However, Novant hasn’t been without challenges. They’ve struggled with quality ratings. Recently, New Hanover Regional Medical Center received a “C” grade from Leapfrog and saw a drop in its Medicare rating. Nurse retention has also been a concern, although turnover has improved from around 26% to roughly 9.5%.
As UNC Health aims to enter the Wilmington market, they are tapping into community needs and preferences. With support from local health leaders and a focus on specialized care, they hope to reshape healthcare for Wilmington residents.
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