Judge denies group’s effort to block hospital sale; county sets date to vote

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County judge has denied the motion filed earlier this week to delay the sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Save Our Hospital Inc. filed a lawsuit Tuesday calling on the court to prohibit a final sale of the county-owned hospital until a public records request is granted. On Friday afternoon, a judge denied it.

New Hanover County says board of commissioners plan to vote at its next meeting to decide on the sale of the hospital.

According to a release, the board will consider and vote on the Asset Purchase Agreement between the county, NHRMC, and Novant Health.

Other items being voted on include the use of the net proceeds from the sale, community endowment bylaws, and the termination of the lease between the county and NHRMC if the sale were to go through.

The meeting is schedule Monday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. at the county courthouse.

The public can attend the meeting, but capacity will be limited due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines. The meeting will be available to view live on NHCTV.com and NHCTV’s cable stations: Spectrum channel 13 and Charter channel 5.

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. for the community to provide additional input and feedback prior to the October 5 board meeting and vote.

In response to this ruling, New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair Julia Olson-Boseman issued the following statement:

“We are pleased that Save our Hospital’s motion has been denied by the court. This reinforces the county and hospital’s position that we have been transparent and open throughout this process – with Save our Hospital, its representatives, and the entire community.”