Novant Health proposes 24/7 emergency department in Hampstead
HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — Novant Health is seeking state approval to build a freestanding emergency department in Hampstead as the health system looks to expand access to emergency care in eastern Pender County.
Novant Health submitted an application through North Carolina’s certificate of need process for the proposed facility.
The 24/7 emergency department is planned for property near the intersection of U.S. 17 and N.C. 210 in Hampstead.
Novant Health Coastal Region President Laurie Whalin said the proposal comes as southeastern North Carolina continues to experience significant population growth. “We’re excited about these plans that would offer a new access point for emergency care, complementing the resources at our Scotts Hill campus and at Novant Health Pender Medical Center in Burgaw” said Whalin.
According to state data, Pender County was the fifth-fastest-growing county in North Carolina between 2020 and 2024, adding more than 8,500 residents during that period.
The state projects Pender County’s population will exceed 75,000 by 2030.
Novant Health Pender Medical Center President Ruth Glaser said the proposed Hampstead location would provide a convenient option for residents in eastern Pender County.
“Eastern Pender County is driving our community’s rapid population growth and this will serve as a convenient site for needed care,” Glaser said.
The proposed emergency department would complement existing services at Novant Health’s Scotts Hill campus and Pender Medical Center in Burgaw.
Novant Health said the project is part of its ongoing $50 million commitment to expanding access to health care in Pender County.
The health system has also recently expanded services at Pender Medical Center, including recruiting two full-time hospitalists and opening a new infusion center.
Novant Health also launched a rural track of its family medicine residency program in partnership with Black River Health Services. The program recently welcomed its second class of physicians and is designed to help address the shortage of primary care physicians by training residents in rural communities.
The proposed Hampstead emergency department still requires state approval through the certificate of need process.
