UNC Health Plans New Hospital in Asheville
Asheville—UNC Health, part of the University of North Carolina’s hospital system, has submitted a request to open a new 92-bed hospital near downtown Asheville. This move is part of the state’s process that checks if new healthcare facilities are needed.
The proposal comes at a time when UNC Health is appealing a March decision by state officials who granted additional beds to Mission Hospital and Novant Health. The new application, filed on June 15, seeks beds that were made available this year.
Local leaders were surprised by the earlier decision to award more beds to Mission Hospital, especially given its recent challenges and safety concerns highlighted by federal health regulators. According to Alan Wolf, director of media relations at UNC Health, the organization sees the need for more healthcare options in the area. He stated, “We think that patients are asking for more access and options, especially for higher-level care.”
Inquiries were made to Mission Health, Advent Health, and Novant Health to find out if they submitted applications for the same beds. A public hearing for the applications is set for August, with a decision expected in December.
The proposed UNC Health facility would provide various services, including emergency care, neonatology, cardiology, and physical therapy. The site, close to Westgate Mall and Patton Avenue, covers about 21.5 acres.
This new proposal comes after an earlier UNC application for a similar facility was declined. The new hospital site is about 10 miles from the previous location, which was deemed too close to an existing UNC affiliate in Hendersonville.
In the past year, the state opened a bidding process for additional hospital beds to serve surrounding counties. UNC Health was one of several applicants, along with AdventHealth and Novant Health.
Novant Health has also confirmed that they have applied for 20 acute care beds that would complement their new facility in the Biltmore Park area.
Regulators previously pointed to concerns about the scope of services and financial aspects in rejecting UNC’s earlier application. Meanwhile, AdventHealth is also appealing its rejected application.
UNC Health has a long-term management agreement with UNC Health Pardee, a community hospital in Hendersonville, which allows them to provide healthcare services in the area. The goal, according to CEO Dr. Cristy Page, is to ensure that as communities grow, access to care grows too.
UNC, along with other healthcare providers, is facing challenges in gaining market presence due to Mission Hospital’s recent expansions and ongoing staffing struggles. Despite receiving more beds, there are ongoing concerns about Mission’s capacity to deliver adequate patient care.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, community health needs remain a central focus for UNC Health.
