WILMINGTON — UNC Health announce Thursday it filed its certificate of need application with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for a proposed new community hospital in Wilmington this week. The application is for a 150-bed facility.
As previously reported by Port City Daily, UNC Health’s community hospital is planned for a 62-acre site at S. 17th Street and Shipyard Boulevard, within 1 mile of the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. UNC Health says its hospital will offer a comprehensive range of specialties, including emergency care, cardiology, oncology, OBGYN and more.
The targeted opening, if approved by the state, is 2030.
The 2026 State Medical Facilities Plan in North Carolina has identified 225 inpatient beds are needed New Hanover County by 2028.
However, UNC Health isn’t the only hospital organization filing to fill in 225-bed gap.
Atrium Health announced it filed a CON on Monday, though it did not announce how many beds it was hoping to receive; also unknown is the planned location for the hospital. Atrium Health says its facility will bring programs in cancer, cardiovascular and neurosciences, as well as provide clinical research and help train medical students in the area. Atrium has teaching campuses in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, as it is affiliated with Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Novant Health, already with a large but controversial presence in the community, has applied for all 225 beds specifically for cardiovascular services, adding to the hospital’s 823 beds. It notes its additional beds would serve the hospital overall and the 65-and-up age group increasing in the area, making services in more demand.
UNC Health’s announcement on Thursday was bolstered by a statement from New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple.
“New Hanover County’s rapid growth has outpaced our healthcare resources, leaving too many families waiting for the care they deserve,” said Rob Zapple, New Hanover County Commissioner. “This proposed hospital is exactly the kind of bold step our community needs, and I am proud to support it. I urge state health officials to recognize the urgency and help us deliver the quality care our region’s residents expect and need.
UNC Health note a public hearing on its certificate of need is anticipated in August, with a decision from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services expected before the end of the year.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
