Novant Health project to nearly double inpatient rehabilitation capacity in Wilmington
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Novant Health has started construction on a new physical rehabilitation hospital in Wilmington that officials say will nearly double the region’s inpatient rehabilitation capacity.
Community leaders, elected officials and healthcare partners gathered Tuesday for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Novant Health New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital, which will be built on Novant Health’s 15-acre Wrightsville Avenue campus, also home to Novant Health New Hanover Orthopedic Hospital.
The new facility will include 60 private patient rooms and will replace the current inpatient rehabilitation hospital located on the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center campus. Officials said it will be the first newly constructed inpatient rehabilitation hospital serving the region since the original facility opened in 1994.
“This new rehabilitation hospital represents an important investment in the future of healthcare across southeastern North Carolina,” said Laurie Whalin, president of Novant Health’s Coastal Region.
The hospital provides inpatient rehabilitation services for patients recovering from serious injuries, illnesses and complex medical conditions, including stroke, brain injuries and other neurological disorders.
Currently, the rehabilitation hospital treats about 850 patients each year. Novant Health said the new facility is expected to increase annual capacity to more than 1,500 admissions once completed.
Patients will receive care from a multidisciplinary team that includes physical, occupational and speech therapists, rehabilitation nurses, respiratory and recreation therapists, pharmacists, case managers, social workers and rehabilitation counselors.
More than half of current patients receive care for neurological conditions, according to Novant Health. Additional programs include amputee and prosthetic training, as well as cancer rehabilitation services.
Leslie Kesler, senior director of rehabilitation for Novant Health Coastal Region, said the goal of rehabilitation care is helping patients return to their daily lives after major health challenges.
“Every patient who comes through our doors has a goal they want to get back to — whether that’s returning home, spending time with family or regaining independence after a life-changing illness or injury,” Kesler said.
Novant Health said more than 80% of rehabilitation patients are discharged back to their homes and communities following treatment.
The organization said the new hospital is part of an ongoing effort to expand access to specialized healthcare services throughout southeastern North Carolina.
