Wilmington community weighs in as health systems compete for 225 hospital beds
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — A packed room of community members heard proposals Thursday from three health care systems competing to add hospital capacity in New Hanover County.
Novant Health, UNC Health and Atrium Health have each submitted proposals as the state considers allocating 225 additional hospital beds in the area.
Dozens of community members also spoke during the public meeting, with many voicing support for one of the three providers.
“This is not about taking down a healthcare system,” said Tammy Ricker, a registered nurse who has worked in New Hanover County for 24 years. “It’s about giving patients access to choice and giving healthcare systems a reason to compete for our trust in this community.”
Atrium Health has proposed building a 42-bed community hospital near the Porters Neck area. The project is expected to cost $395 million and would open in January 2032.
“Our proposed new hospital will ensure that residents can receive the care they need and when they need it close to home,” said Steve Smoot, Atrium Health North Carolina and Georgia division president.
UNC Health is proposing a 150-bed community hospital at the intersection of Shipyard Boulevard and South 17th Street. The project is estimated to cost $852 million and would open in July 2031.
“It would be great if there was another healthcare system making substantial investments in this community and the healthcare infrastructure to support the growth and residents that live here,” said Ernie Bovio, UNC Health Regional president of the Southeast Coastal region.
Novant Health has submitted plans for a 225-bed heart and vascular tower on its existing Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center campus. The project would cost about $236 million.
“We heard from so many patients today who share their experience on how their lives were saved by our providers, and that is to be able to deliver those beds to this community the fastest, and we are positioned to do that the best,” said Laurie Whalin, president of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Several residents also shared personal experiences while urging the state to select a particular provider.
“I respectfully ask you to meet the needs of Novant Health New Hanover, award all 225 beds to the organization,” one speaker said. “They have the people, infrastructure already in place to put these beds to work immediately.”
Another speaker advocated for Atrium Health, citing the need for timely cancer care.
“The patients who are coming into the cancer area need to be seen every week, not every three weeks,” the speaker said. “Please vote for Atrium.”
A third speaker described receiving specialized care through UNC Health.
“UNC Health offered me access to a clinical trial that wasn’t available anywhere else in the United States,” the speaker said. “Their team provided coordinated, research-backed care that combined innovation, compassion and expertise.”
The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation has 90 to 150 days to review the applications.
The state could approve portions of more than one proposal, as long as the total number of approved beds does not exceed the 225-bed allocation.
