Novant Health Hospitals recognized for heart and stroke care
CAPE FEAR REGION (WWAY) — Three Novant Health hospitals in Coastal North Carolina have been recognized by the American Heart Association for their work providing heart failure and stroke care.
The recognition comes through the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program, which recognizes hospitals that follow evidence-based practices designed to improve patient outcomes and provide timely, coordinated care.
The 2026 honorees in Coastal North Carolina include:
- Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center — Gold recognition for heart failure and Gold Plus recognition for stroke.
- Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center — Gold and Rural Gold recognition for heart failure and Gold Plus recognition for stroke.
- Novant Health Pender Medical Center — Rural Silver recognition for stroke.
New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Brunswick Medical Center received recognition for both heart failure and stroke care. Both hospitals also received recognition for meeting quality standards involving patients with Type 2 diabetes.
“When a patient experiences a stroke or heart failure, every decision and every moment matters,” said Laurie Whalin, senior vice president and president of Novant Health’s Coastal Region. “These awards highlight the teamwork and clinical excellence that help ensure patients receive remarkable care and support throughout their treatment and recovery.”
Novant Health says it continues to expand access to cardiovascular and stroke care in the region.
That includes advanced procedures such as left ventricular assist device surgery, robotic mitral valve repair and the Barostim implant for heart failure.
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center also recently became the first hospital in North Carolina to use THUNDERBOLT technology, which is designed to remove blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain in stroke patients.
The health system says its network includes 11 certified stroke centers. New Hanover Regional Medical Center is a certified comprehensive stroke center.
