Novant Health Plans Exciting New 129-Bed Hospital in Buncombe County: What You Need to Know!

Novant Health is planning to request permission to build a hospital in Buncombe County. This move will put them in direct competition with AdventHealth, which is set to expand their operations significantly.

A representative from Novant stated, “Over the past year, we’ve collaborated with local physicians and the community to enhance our specialty care network. We’re excited to apply for the additional beds as outlined by the state’s plan.” They plan to apply for 129 acute-care beds this October.

According to the 2025 State Medical Facilities Plan (SMFP), Buncombe and nearby counties need these additional beds. Novant will navigate the competitive Certificate of Need (CON) process to secure them.

AdventHealth is already on the move. They recently announced plans to expand their current facility in Weaverville from 93 to 222 beds, making it the second-largest hospital in the region after Mission Hospital in Asheville. This expansion highlights the intense competition for healthcare resources in western North Carolina.

Mission Health, owned by HCA Healthcare, is the largest system in the area, with around 900 acute-care beds across six hospitals, including 682 in Asheville. While Mission did not comment on their plans for the upcoming application, they have been active in past CON applications. They faced off against both Novant and AdventHealth for bed resources in recent years.

In 2022, all three systems competed for 67 beds, and in 2024 they vied for 26 more. AdventHealth prevailed in both instances, while Mission lost a court challenge regarding the 67 beds. Currently, they are awaiting a decision on the 26 beds from the state’s Office of Administrative Hearings.

The applications for the 129 beds opened on October 15. This situation reflects a broader trend in healthcare, where the demand for hospital beds is increasing as populations grow and age. It’s expected that the upcoming 2026 SMFP will reveal a need for 92 beds, offering another opportunity for health systems next year.

Novant has been eager to gain a foothold in the region for years. They previously attempted to acquire Mission Health but lost out to HCA Healthcare in a $1.5 billion deal in 2019. Although they faced recent setbacks, including a failed application for a diagnostic center in Asheville, they have opened seven clinics in the area since 2023, including specialized care in endocrinology, women’s health, and urgent care services.

Healthcare expansion is a hot topic right now, with many users sharing their thoughts on social media. Discussions often highlight concerns about access to care and the quality of services that new hospitals might bring. With hospitals competing for resources, the overall healthcare landscape in western North Carolina is constantly evolving.

For a deeper dive into healthcare trends and statistics that shape these decisions, you can check out studies from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which regularly analyzes state population and hospital data.

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