CaroMont Health Another Step Closer to Building Belmont Hospital

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.”