BELMONT, NC – Last Friday, leaders from CaroMont Health and Belmont Abbey College
signed a property lease for the future location of CaroMont Regional Medical
Center-Belmont. Adjacent to the campus of Belmont Abbey College, the hospital
will offer convenient access to Interstate 85 and Highway 273 in eastern
Gaston County. The long-term lease agreement will allow CaroMont Health
to begin construction on the property next spring with an expected opening of 2023.
“The monks of Belmont Abbey happily welcome this exciting opportunity
for Belmont Abbey College and CaroMont Health to combine our shared values
and cooperate in promoting the welfare of our Gaston County community
and its future growth and prosperity," said Abbot Placid Solari,
O.S.B., of the Belmont Abbey monastic community.
The Southern Benedictine Society and Belmont Abbey College entered into
the lease with CaroMont Health following unanimous support from the monks
of Belmont Abbey received earlier this month.
“Bringing together two remarkable and storied institutions, the partnership
between CaroMont Health, a leading healthcare provider, and Belmont Abbey
College, a leading institution of higher education, is a game-changer
for the region and beyond. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate
with CaroMont Health to provide the highest levels of medical care and
academic excellence,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder, president of Belmont
Abbey College.
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.
“Belmont Abbey College exemplifies the true spirit of our community
– one of progress, integrity, excellence and virtue – and
shares many of our core values,” said Chris Peek, President and
CEO of CaroMont Health. “Much like healthcare, education has the
unique ability to enrich and support not only the recipient, but also
all who surround them. A highly regarded institution like Belmont Abbey,
focused on the advancement of others, strengthens our community. We are
proud to be part of such a historic moment.”