NHRMC Enters New Chapter in Exceptional Care for Southeastern NC

For decades, New Hanover Regional Medical Center stood out as one of the largest county-owned healthcare systems in the nation – operating without local tax funding. Over the years, the hospital earned a reputation for excellent care and steady growth. As our community grew, so did the need for more facilities, services and advanced technology. By 2019, the current structure made it difficult to keep pace with the growth to serve the southeastern North Carolina region. 

Partnership formed to strengthen our local healthcare 

Following a yearlong process of open discussion and community input regarding the future of healthcare in our region, New Hanover County Commissioners approved a historic vote to help secure the future of care in our region. They voted to partner with Novant Health, a nonprofit health system with a shared commitment to improving access to care, growing much-needed services and advancing quality of care. This agreement strengthened New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s relationship with UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine to increase medical education and clinical capabilities across southeastern North Carolina. 

On February 1, 2021, New Hanover Regional  Medical Center officially joined Novant Health, opening new opportunities to build on the foundation of excellent care in our region. 

Investing back in our communities 

The partnership also created an opportunity to reinvest in our community in additional ways. Using proceeds from the acquisition, New Hanover County Commissioners established a $1.25 billion endowment – a resource designed to improve quality of life for generations. These funds are invested in supporting education, public health, safety, and community and economic development initiatives across the region.