GASTONIA, NC – CaroMont Health today announced it has full approval
to build a new hospital in Belmont. The Gastonia-based health system recently
learned the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offered
final approval of its request to open and operate a second hospital and
medical campus near the crossing of Highway 273 and Interstate 85 in Gaston County.
“We are pleased the Department of Health and Human Services agrees
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 our community.”
While clinical programs and services are still being planned for CaroMont
Regional Medical Center-Belmont, the facility will offer an emergency
department, a 66-bed inpatient unit for patients requiring admission or
observation, operating rooms and surgical capabilities, a labor and delivery
unit, and a full suite of diagnostic testing and imaging services. Medical
office buildings for outpatient services and physician offices are also
planned for the campus.
The approval of CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont also clears the
way for plans to expand critical care services at the main hospital in
Gastonia. The addition of a four-floor, 78-room tower will streamline
care delivery for patients requiring critical care services, improve patient
flow within the hospital, and firmly establish CaroMont Regional Medical
Center as a central hub for advanced medical and surgical care in the region.
“From the beginning, executive leaders and clinical teams have collaborated
on integrated programming and detailed planning of these projects,”
said Peek. “This fine balance of clinical expertise and operational
excellence will ensure we are positioned to provide exceptional care across
the health system.”
Collaboration has been a central theme in the 10 months since CaroMont
Health announced plans to invest more than $300 million in capital projects
in and around Gaston County. The journey to state approval required not
only support from the health system, but from across the community.
“We are fortunate to be part of a community that has championed our
efforts to expand healthcare services,” said Peek. “These
projects are possible only through the unwavering support of the more
than 4,000 members of the CaroMont Health team, our Board of Directors,
the medical community, and the network of business and civic leaders who
share our vision for a brighter, healthier future.”
Current projections suggest CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont could
open as earlier as 2023, which coincidentally would also mark the 50-year
anniversary of CaroMont Regional Medical Center’s opening at 2525
Court Drive in Gastonia.
“This is an extraordinarily exciting time for CaroMont Health, but
more importantly, it is a monumental moment for our community,”
said Peek. “These projects are a reflection of our steadfast commitment
to the thousands of patients who trust us to care for them.”