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Novant Health Carolina Shores ED to Host Public Hearing on Expansion Plans

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 17:18 GMT by WECT

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Novant Health Carolina Shores Emergency Department Faces Public Hearing on Proposed Changes

A public hearing scheduled for November 15, 2025, will bring together residents, healthcare professionals, and city officials to discuss a series of proposed changes to the emergency department (ED) at Novant Health Carolina Shores. The meeting, announced by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, will be held in the City Hall Conference Room on Main Street at 10:00 a.m. and will be streamed live on the county’s website.

The hearing follows a recent announcement by Novant Health that the existing ED, which has served the Henderson County population for over a decade, will undergo a comprehensive expansion and renovation project. The plan is designed to increase bed capacity, update medical equipment, and enhance patient flow. The organization cites rising demand for emergency care, an aging population, and an influx of new residents to the Carolina Shores community as primary drivers behind the initiative.

Key Objectives of the Proposed Expansion

1. Increase Bed Capacity
   The current ED operates with 12 inpatient beds, a figure that frequently falls short during peak times, particularly during winter storms or large sporting events. The expansion would add six additional beds, raising total capacity to 18. This change is projected to reduce patient wait times and improve overall patient throughput.

2. Upgrade Medical Equipment
   New imaging technology, including a state‑of‑the‑art CT scanner and an upgraded point‑of‑care ultrasound suite, will be installed. The project also includes the installation of an advanced electronic health record (EHR) integration system that will streamline communication between ED staff and other hospital departments.

3. Improve Patient Flow and Safety
   The design incorporates separate triage zones for non‑urgent and urgent cases, a dedicated observation area for short‑stay patients, and expanded staff training programs to reduce hand‑off errors. Safety upgrades include new fire suppression systems and enhanced security monitoring throughout the ED.

4. Add Support Services
   Planned services include a dedicated psychiatric consultation team and a mobile health unit to address on‑site chronic disease management, both of which are intended to reduce repeat ED visits for mental health and chronic conditions.

Stakeholder Involvement

The hearing will feature presentations from several key stakeholders:

• Novant Health Executives – Dr. Lisa Moreno, ED Director, will outline the clinical rationale and financial projections for the expansion. Dr. Omar Patel, Chief Medical Officer, will discuss how the new resources will improve patient outcomes and staff workflow.

• County Health Officials – County Health Commissioner Maria Hernandez will address public health implications, including emergency preparedness and community outreach plans.

• Community Representatives – A panel of local residents, including former ED patients and a member of the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, will share their experiences and concerns.

• Hospital Administration – The City Manager, Peter Hall, will discuss the anticipated economic impact, including potential job creation during the construction phase and long‑term benefits to the local economy.

Legal and Regulatory Context

The expansion requires compliance with multiple regulatory bodies, including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the Joint Commission. According to a public notice posted on the county’s official website, the project has received preliminary approval from the NCDHHS but must undergo a public hearing before final authorization. The hearing will also review the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which has been filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EIS highlights the project’s compliance with the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), noting that construction will not significantly alter local water quality or wildlife habitats.

Community Concerns

Several recurring themes have emerged in the community’s feedback:

• Construction Disruption – Residents near the hospital have expressed worry about traffic congestion and noise during the anticipated 18‑month construction period. Novant Health has proposed a traffic mitigation plan, including temporary detour routes and scheduled off‑peak work hours.

• Cost to Taxpayers – Although the expansion is primarily funded through private investment and hospital reserves, some citizens are concerned that any public funding or tax incentives could increase local tax rates. The hospital’s financial spokesperson assured that the project will not rely on taxpayer money.

• Equity in Access – Advocacy groups highlighted the importance of ensuring that the expanded ED continues to serve underserved populations, including low‑income families and rural patients who rely on the hospital for critical care.

• Staffing and Workforce Development – Nurses and physicians voiced the need for additional training and support staff, particularly in the area of critical care and telemedicine. Novant Health has pledged to hire additional registered nurses and establish a residency program in collaboration with local medical schools.

Upcoming Milestones

• November 15, 2025 – Public Hearing
  The hearing will provide a forum for open discussion, questions, and comments from the public. Minutes and recordings of the hearing will be published on the Henderson County website.

• December 2025 – Final Approval
  After the hearing, the county board will vote on the project. If approved, the hospital will finalize the construction contract and begin the first phase of work in early 2026.

• 2027 – Completion
  The projected completion date for the expansion is mid‑2027. The hospital plans to conduct a phased rollout, allowing certain services to remain operational while construction proceeds.

How to Participate

Residents wishing to attend the hearing can reserve a seat by calling the Henderson County Board of Commissioners at (555) 123‑4567 or by registering online at the county’s website. Those who cannot attend in person may submit written comments, which will be considered by the board. The hearing will also be streamed live, with closed captioning available for accessibility.

The proposed expansion of Novant Health Carolina Shores’ emergency department represents a significant investment in the community’s health infrastructure. While the project promises increased capacity, modern technology, and improved patient care, it also underscores the need for transparent dialogue between the hospital, local government, and residents. The upcoming public hearing will be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of emergency medical services in Henderson County.