GASTONIA, NC – CaroMont Health is another step closer to building a new hospital in Belmont.
The Gastonia-based health system today learned the North Carolina Department
of Health & Human Services approved its Certificate of Need application
to construct and operate a second hospital near the campus of Belmont
Abbey College. The last hurdle, a 30-day appeal period, is expected to
bring a final decision on the project as early as March.
“We are pleased the Department of Health & Human Services agrees
that CaroMont Health is the best choice to build and operate this hospital,”
said Chris Peek, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The significant
growth happening in the eastern part of the county and the advancing age
of the patient population means CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont
is critical for the future of Gaston County. The outpouring of support
we have received from community leaders, employees and patients has been
incredible.”
Indeed, since announcing plans to build a second hospital last May, CaroMont
Health has collected more than 100 letters of support from business leaders
and private citizens, with physicians and medical groups leading the charge.
“This project is also important for the continued growth of our medical
community,” said Peek. “Physicians and providers are eager
to bring more services and more technology to their patients, and this
expansion will support continued growth in our clinical programs. We have
some of the best doctors and healthcare professionals in the country,
and they will be an integral part of developing the new hospital.”
While services are still being planned for CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont,
the hospital will offer an emergency department, inpatient units for patients
requiring admission or observation, operating rooms and surgical capabilities,
a labor and delivery unit, and a full suite of imaging services, including
MRI, CT, nuclear medicine and ultrasound. Medical office buildings for
outpatient services and physician offices are also planned for the campus.
Assuming receipt of the CON in March, the hospital could open as early
as mid-2023.
“This an exciting time for CaroMont Health and Gaston County,”
said Peek. “CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont is a large
part of the $300M capital investment we shared last May, but we are also
planning to open physician practices in Cramerton and Belmont and add
a critical care tower at the main hospital. Each of these projects enhances
access for our patients and helps the system provide exceptional care
– right here in our community.”