This week, CaroMont Health marked the beginning of construction of a new
hospital and medical campus in Belmont. Part of CaroMont Health’s
commitment to invest more than $300 million in new and expanded facilities
in and around Gaston County over the next three years, CaroMont Regional
Medical Center-Belmont is scheduled to open in mid-2023.
“We are building more than a hospital, more than a medical campus,
we are building the future,” said Chris Peek, President and CEO
of CaroMont Health. “In three short years, this will be the site
of so much hope and promise – where new life is welcomed, where
patients heal and where the next generation of healthcare professionals
find their purpose.”
Located off Interstate 85 in Gaston County, the 28-acre medical campus
will include a 66-bed hospital (54-acute care beds and 12 observation
beds), 16-room emergency department, labor and delivery unit, operating
rooms and surgical capabilities, and robust diagnostic testing and imaging
services. Also planned is a medical office building and parking deck.
Early estimates suggest the hospital alone could create as many as 150
new jobs in the region and see as many as 16,000 patients in the first year.
Rendering of CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont
"With the insight and guidance of medical and clinical leadership,
CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont has been designed with an intense
focus on the patient, both their care and their experience,” said
Richard Blackburn, Vice President of Facilities and Support Services.
“This medical campus, and the hospital that will anchor it, will
extend our clinical network to better serve communities in the eastern
part of Gaston County and continue to provide exceptional medical care
to the region.”
In September 2020, CaroMont Health and Belmont Abbey College entered into
a long-term partnership to allow CaroMont Health to build the new hospital
and medical campus on land owned by the college and monastic community
since the late 1800s. The proximity of CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont
to the college campus will offer educational opportunities for students
in Belmont Abbey College’s health science programs.
“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 Peek. “Much like healthcare,
education has the unique ability to enrich and support not only the recipient,
but 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.”
Dr. Bill Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College, echoed praise
for the partnership.
“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. Thierfelder.
In May 2019, CaroMont Health announced plans to build the Belmont hospital,
expand critical care services with construction of a four-floor tower
at the main hospital in Gastonia, and complete several renovation and
expansion projects in its medical group. The more than $300 million commitment
was the largest in the history of Gaston County. All projects are aimed
at expanding CaroMont Health’s clinical network to prepare for anticipated
population growth across the region.
“CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont will be home to medical
excellence, but more importantly, it will help change and save lives in
our community for years to come,” said Peek.
CaroMont Health Board of Directors break ground on CaroMont Regional Medical
Center-Belmont