New Hanover Commissioners vote against hospital’s partnership with Charlotte system

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The management agreement between the New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Carolinas Healthcare System was discussed among commissioners, community members, hospital representatives and employees at Monday night’s New Hanover County Commission meeting.

While many were in favor of the agreement, others, including the majority of commissioners were opposed.

New Hanover County Commissioners made the final decision tonight and voted 4 to 1 against the agreement with Commissioner Jonathan Barfield casting the only vote for the contract.

“Clearly we are disappointed,” said Jack Barto, the president and CEO of New Hanover Regional Medical Center. “But the bright spot of this whole process is we have the best hospital in North Carolina, and I’ve got a great management team, committed board, great medical staff. We’ll go back to work tomorrow and we’ll figure out other ways to get around this.”