Press releases

Novant Health, UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine announce details of partnership

WINSTON-SALEM and CHAPEL HILL, N.C. ― Today, Novant Health, UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine outlined details of the previously announced letter of intent to enhance medical education and clinical services at New Hanover Regional Medical Center (“NHRMC”), in the event the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners ultimately chooses to affiliate or form a joint venture with, or sell to Novant Health.

“We are thrilled to partner with UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine, a preeminent academic leader, if Novant Health is selected to partner with NHRMC,” said Carl S. Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health. “With this partnership, we are truly bringing the best of both worlds. This is an opportunity to maintain and expand medical education at NHRMC, while also expanding access to high-quality care to the greater New Hanover County community.”

”It has been a true pleasure working with Carl and the leadership team at Novant Health over the past month to define our partnership in serving southeastern North Carolina,” said Wesley Burks, MD, CEO of UNC Health and dean of the UNC School of Medicine. “We look forward to the work ahead in educating and training health professionals and in the many other activities that will advance the health and well-being of the region.”

Details of the partnership include:

• Expand Wilmington branch campus of the UNC School of Medicine from 18 to 30 students by 2026; enhance faculty development, expand rural pipeline for students wishing to work in rural North Carolina; establish a new UNC Health Sciences campus based out of South Eastern Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC).
• Develop a children’s clinical service-line partnership with UNC Children’s at Novant Health-affiliated sites in New Hanover and adjacent counties; create outreach clinics and provide telehealth services from Chapel Hill; provide access to complex care services.
• Develop research, clinical trials and population health studies programs. Develop academic efforts on community health challenges, such as opioid addiction, social determinants of health and health equity.